Wildfire in Monterey County prompts evacuations

MONTEREY CO., Calif. (BCN) - Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for three areas of Monterey County where a wildfire Saturday has burned more than 3,000 acres west of King City and Greenfield.

Cal Fire officials have asked Monterey County deputies to order evacuations for Reliz Canyon, Monroe Canyon and the upper part of Pine Canyon Road, Monterey County sheriff's Sgt. Brian Irons said.

An evacuation center has been established at the Lutheran church at 205 Canal St. in King City.

Anyone who needs assistance with large animals can call (831) 755-5111.   

Homes and ranches are in the path of the wildfire, named the Coleman Fire, but no structures are being immediately threatened, U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman Paula Martinez said.

The Coleman Fire was first reported at 2:50 p.m. on the north side of Fort Hunter Liggett, a U.S. Army fort, Cal Fire spokesman Capt. John Spooner said.

The fire spread into the Los Padres National Forest and into property that Cal Fire has the responsibility for protecting.

The cause is under investigation. The fire has the potential to grow to more than 10,000 acres.