On May 31, 1987, fire escaped from an illegal campfire in the
Del Monte Forest in Pebble Beach, California. The resulting fire burned
160 acres and destroyed 31 structures causing an estimated damage of
approximately $18,000,000. There were 18 injuries, including 15
firefighters and 3 civilians. All were minor, requiring no
hospitalization.
The fire spread from the forest into the residential area. Control of
the fire in the forest was difficult due to heavy fuel load and low fuel
moisture. Structures were located on a ridge above the main body of the
fire. A fire storm occurred near the top of this ridge, spreading the fire
across the residential area.
The spread of the fire through the residential area was aided by wood
shingle roofs, natural vegetation around structures, accumulation of pine
needle litter on roofs, and the intensity of the fire.
The area had major woodlands fires in the past and is likely to have
more in the future. This is a classic example of the need to be concerned
about the urban wildlands interface, as has recently been given higher
priority by the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fire Administration.
Next » The Fire
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