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Big Sur Wildfires Explode, Forcing Evacuations
31 Aug
Summary
- Two wildfires in Big Sur expanded rapidly due to strong winds.
- Highway 1 is closed, and new evacuations were ordered.
- One fire is only 1% contained, while the other is 21% contained.
Wildfires in California's Big Sur region experienced a rapid escalation over the weekend, driven by strong winds. The Plaskett fire and the Timber fire, which had been burning for weeks, quickly expanded, breaching containment lines and prompting new evacuation orders.
Officials closed the scenic State Highway 1 due to the fire's spread. The Plaskett fire grew to nearly 15,500 acres and was only 1% contained as of Sunday afternoon. The Timber fire reached 24,700 acres with 21% containment.
Firefighters worked to protect structures near Sand Dollar and Plaskett Creek, employing tactical firing operations. The Plaskett fire crossed a primary containment line, with ground teams and helicopters battling flare-ups. Residents in Carmel Valley were warned of potential evacuations.
