Big Sur Fire 2008

During the summer and fall of 2008, Big Sur was devastated by the third largest forest fire in California’s history.  As soon as the Molera Base Camp was established, Physician Assistant Sharen Carey and Clinical Assistant Danielle Latta, in cooperation with the US Forest Service Medical Leader, set up a medical clinic at the base camp.

Not only did the Molera medical clinic avoid time-consuming trips to the emergency room, but it provided immediate on-site evaluation and treatment so that fire personnel could return to their crews to continue their important work. As the fire progressed, a second base camp, set up near Tassajara Road in Carmel Valley, was managed by health center staff. By the end of the 34 days, over 1300 firefighters had been given care – up-close and personal.

During the evacuation of the Big Sur community, health center staff members continued to man the phones, provide health care guidance, and assist with prescription needs for our patients who had been forced to temporarily move onto the Monterey Peninsula. 

During the fire and its aftermath, the health center offered free and discounted services to anyone financially affected by the fires.  We continue to have a sliding scale to assist all uninsured and underinsured individuals.