UPDATE: Soberanes Fire Grows to 40,000 Acres, 18% Contained

MONTEREY COUNTY, CA - A 10-day-old blaze that started in Soberanes Creek in Garrapata State Park has grown to 40,618 acres and remains only 18 percent contained.

The fire has claimed the life of a bulldozer operator and has destroyed nearly 70 structures. Cal Fire officials said the fire is now larger than the city of San Francisco.

As of Monday, more than 5,000 fire personnel are working to fight the blaze.

An evacuation order has been lifted for residents who live on Riley Ranch Road, Corona Road and Carmel Highland, but about 350 people who live off of other roads have been forced out of their homes and many have been issued evacuation warnings.

As of Monday afternoon, more than 100 animals evacuated from the fire are receiving care from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for Monterey County. The displaced animals include 33 cats, 29 dogs and 12 chickens, shelter officials said. More than 50 other animals have been given free food, supplies and emergency evacuation services, according to shelter officials.

Firefighters have also been challenged by hot and dry weather conditions in addition to a lot of dry grass, agency officials said. Crews expect to face lower air quality due to an increase in smoke from the fire, more so in Carmel Valley and Carmel River School, Cal Fire officials said.

Heavy smoke is also forecasted along the coast and above the marine layer, agency officials said.

A state of emergency issued last Tuesday remains in effect for Monterey County.

Those affected by the fire can receive help from All Saints' Day School at 8060 Carmel Valley Road in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Closures continue for trails and roads to Los Padres National Forest in the impacted area along with a handful of state parks.

Palo Colorado Road is also closed at state Highway 1, along with Robinson Canyon Road south of Penon Peak Trail and Weston Ridge Road at Highway 1, Cal Fire officials said.

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.

All funds received will go directly to his family to aid them as they grieve and memorialize his life, according to the fund information.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

--Images from Cal Fire. Bay City News contributed to this report.