Fire History
Monterey County's wildfire history is concentrated in its rugged interior mountains and the Big Sur coast. The 2016 Soberanes Fire (132,127 acres) was one of the most expensive to suppress in US history. The 2020 Dolan Fire burned deep into the Ventana Wilderness. The 2020 River Fire and Colorado Fire also affected Big Sur communities. The county's remote terrain, drought-stressed vegetation, and coastal winds create challenging fire conditions along the entire length of the Santa Lucia Range.
Local Compliance Notes
CAL FIRE San Benito-Monterey Unit serves unincorporated SRA areas. Big Sur and its surrounding communities face the most significant Zone Zero obligations due to Very High FHSZ designations throughout. The relative remoteness of many FHSZ properties in this county means contractor access for Zone Zero work may require additional planning time. Contact CAL FIRE for unit-specific compliance guidance.
Neighborhoods in Zone Zero
High-FHSZ communities in Monterey County include Big Sur, Carmel Valley (upper), Pebble Beach foothills, Cachagua, Aromas, communities along the Santa Lucia Range foothills, Carmel Highlands, and unincorporated areas adjacent to the Los Padres National Forest and Ventana Wilderness.
Local FAQs
Do Big Sur residents need to comply with Zone Zero? Yes — Big Sur and surrounding communities are in Very High FHSZ and Zone Zero requirements apply fully. Given the remoteness of many properties and limited contractor availability, it is strongly recommended to begin assessments and planning well ahead of Phase 1 deadlines. Contact CAL FIRE San Benito-Monterey Unit for guidance.