Big Sur locals and officials prepare for a strong El Niño post-fires.

Conditions are lining up for a potentially rough winter in Big Sur, a fact not lost on the community as the Timber and Plaskett fires simmer down.

On the back patio of the Big Sur River Inn on Monday, Sept. 28, dozens of residents and local and state officials gathered for a Big Sur Multi-Agency Advisory Committee meeting to discuss lessons from this summer’s fires.

The Plaskett and Timber fires, the third- and fourth-largest fires in the state this year, have burned more than 55,000 acres combined and are 99- and 88-percent contained, respectively. Attention has now turned to the burn scars, potential debris flows during heavy rains, and what needs to be done to prepare.

“You can put a fire out with a fire hose,” said Kirk Gafill, Nepenthe owner and president of the Big Sur Chamber of Commerce. “You cannot stop a debris flow with your vehicle, a tractor, or sandbags, so people need to look at those in a very different way.”

In response to the National Weather Service forecasts of a “very strong El Niño event through the fall and winter,” Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sept. 21 proclaimed a state of emergency to bolster preparedness. The proclamation directs state agencies to pre-position equipment and supplies. Caltrans is continuing emergency cleanup and repairs on fire-damaged slopes, according to John Olenick with Caltrans, and is inspecting problem areas and cleaning culverts.

Assemblymember Dawn Addis, D-Morro Bay, said her office has been pressing the state to ensure the Central Coast is prepared to receive state resources, and that Newsom’s office has confirmed her request.

Mike Higgins, vice president of operations at Post Ranch Inn, said he and U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Carmel Valley, are in the final stages of getting a NOAA weather repeater installed at a nearby Coast Guard tower to broadcast local emergency and marine weather data.

A Burned Area Emergency Response report is also being developed to assess downstream flood risks and identify areas in need of stabilization.

Big Sur Fire Chief Matt Harris has urged residents to prepare their properties in case emergency resources are limited. One million sandbags are currently available at the fire station, and staff are available to answer questions.

“You guys have to prepare yourselves and your properties for the eventual floods,” Harris said. “It’s going to come down to individuals asking for help.”