The area surrounding this cache was the scene of the 1987 Morse Fire which burned 160 acres, destroyed 32 homes and injured 18, including 15 firefighters. Damage also occurred to structures owned by three utilities, including PG&E, Pacific Telephone, and Monterey Peninsula Cable TV, whose trailer and microwave power were destroyed.
The fire, which was started by an illegal campfire, roared up the from canyon below. A fire storm occurred near the top of this ridge, spreading the fire across the residential area, causing an estimated damage of $18,000,000. The spread of the fire through the residential area was aided by wood shingle roofs, natural vegetation around structures, accumulation of pine needle litter on roofs, and the intensity of the fire.
This area has been the site of major woodlands fires in both 1926 and 1959 and is likely to have more in the future. The historic record seems to indicate that they happen every 25 to 30 years. While these fires are devastating in terms of human habitation, for nature, they are part of a historical cycle. The closed cones of the evergreens – Monterey and Bishop pines and Gowen cypress - open in the intense heat, scattering their seeds. As a result, a dense stand of trees now grows throughout the burned area.
We are nearing the 25 year anniversary of the 1987 Morse Fire so perhaps we should be prepared for another fire in the next couple of years.
You must approach the parking area for this cache from the southbound side. Left turns from the northbound direction are not allowed. Please be mindful of the fact that this is a high fire danger area. There is PO and blackberry thorns in the area, but not around the cache itself .