Dry Weather Causes Soberanes Fire to Spread

Monterey County, CA -- Dry weather caused the deadly Soberanes Fire to spread even further by Wednesday morning.

Cal Fire officials said the fire, which is larger than the city of San Francisco, has now burned 45,800 acres. It remains only 25 percent contained.

The blaze, which started on July 22 by an abandoned campfire near Garrapata State Park, prompted more than 5,400 firefighters to respond with 500 engines.

The fire took the life of 35-year-old Robert Oliver Reagan, a Friant, California resident, succumbed to fatal injures along the fire line. Reagan leaves behind two young children and a wife, according to a GoFundMe account fund that has been set up to help the family.

The blaze also destroyed 57 homes and 11 outbuildings in addition to damaging three structures and two outbuildings, Cal Fire officials said.

Roughly 350 residents have been evacuated in areas including the Palo Colorado community, Old Coast Road and Tassajara Road. Evacuees can receive assistance at a center set up at All Saints' Day School located at 8060 Carmel Valley Road in Carmel-by-the Sea, according to Cal Fire.

--Bay City News contributed to this report. Image via Cal Fire