Big Sur Fire is more than just a fire department, we're a dedicated group of volunteers who provide essential emergency services to the Big Sur Community.
2020 was all but normal. Big Sur Fire expected call volume to be down significantly due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and the eventual Dolan Fire. Still, Big Sur Fire responded to 250 emergency calls for service. Of those 250 responses, just over 60% involved visitors to our area. While accurate visitation numbers are unknown, it is estimated that Big Sur as a destination hosts up to 7 million visitors a year. During peak travel months and nearly every weekend throughout the year, the influx of visitors can have major impacts on our community and the environment, including our first responders. The visitor experience can also be affected in a negative way.
Last year, the South Coast of Big Sur saw an unprecedented influx of visitors specifically along the ridge roads in the Los Padres National Forest. Illegal campfires were being sighted almost daily by residents of the area. Only 4 years after the Soberanes Fire began as a result of an illegal campfire, concerns from residents were not unfounded. Pleas from the community prompted Big Sur Fire act. Crews began patrolling these areas during peak visitation in an effort to not only educate campers in those areas, but also prevent another major fire. We ask those visiting Big Sur to join us in becoming stewards of the land. Please do your research and plan your trip. Camp in designated areas only and please be hyper vigilant about fire safety and restrictions in our beautiful yet vulnerable area.
