Utility pole catches fire; Highway 1 re-opens.

As firefighters battle the Soberanes Fire on all sides, the last thing they needed was another fire. But around 12:30 Monday, officials received a report Monday at 12:30 of a utility pole on fire along Highway 1 near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.

Officials say it was unrelated to the Soberanes Fire; CHP reports that a fallen tree was the likely cause. 

Highway 1 was briefly closed between Andrew Molera State Park in the north and the entrance to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park in the south, but Pacific Gas & Electric workers were already in the area and quickly replaced the pole. 

Traffic is allowed to move again in both directions, though power is still out for about 120 customers. 

In connection to the Soberanes Fire, the Monterey County Sheriff's Office and Cal Fire issued new closures as of noon Monday: the southern half of Old Coast Road (the northern portion was closed yesterday), and in Carmel Valley, Robinson Canyon Road south of Penon Peak Trail.

Residents report seeing bulldozers heading through Carmel Valley today to build fire breaks along its inland edge. 

Cal Fire and the U.S. Forest Service are hosting a community meeting for those affected by the Soberanes Fire tonight, Monday, at 6 pm at Carmel River School, located at 15th and Monte Verde in Carmel.

Officials from the County Sheriff's Office, Health Department, Resource Management Agency, and Office of Emergency Services will also be available to answer questions.