Firefighters battling two fires in Monterey County have almost reached full containment.
The River Fire and the Carmel Fire both broke out in the middle of August burning hundreds of thousands of acres, leading to road closures and many evacuation orders.
The River Fire burning east of Salinas is 95% contained and burned 48,088 acres. In total the River Fire destroyed 30 structures and damaged 13 others. Four firefighters suffered minor injuries. The fire was caused by a lighting strike and fire officials expect to have it fully contained by Sept. 6.
Burning southeast of the River Fire is the Carmel Fire. Fire officials say it is 97% contained and has burned 6,905 acres. The Carmel Fire destroyed a total of 73 structures and damaged 7 others. Fire officials expect to have the Carmel Fire 100% contained by Sept. 6. The cause of the fire is unknown.
Firefighters are experiencing more difficulty gaining control of a third fire burning in Monterey County called the Dolan Fire near Big Sur. Fire officials say the fire was started due to arsonon Aug. 18 and is only 25% contained. The fire has burned 29.434 acres and has caused alarge road closure of Highway 1.
All three fires caused heavy smoke to blanket the Central Coast for nearly a week after they broke out.
There are nearly 1,900 fire personnel working these three fires in Monterey County.
