A fast-moving wildfire in Big Sur has surged to nearly 27,000 acres in under a week, overtaking another major fire burning in the region as officials caution that the flames may continue advancing to the south.
The Plaskett Fire had burned 26,734 acres and was still only 1% contained as of Monday night, according to the most recent official incident update.
The latest figure represents a dramatic jump from the 15,479 acres reported earlier Monday morning, pushing the Plaskett Fire past the nearby Timber Fire, which has charred 25,190 acres and was 22% contained, KSBW reported.
The Plaskett Fire ignited Wednesday near Forest Road 23S10, east of Los Burros Road, when it was initially estimated at just 50 acres.
By Monday, fire officials said the blaze was showing “continued aggressive growth,” with the most active expansion along its eastern side as it moved farther into Fort Hunter Liggett.
The rugged Big Sur landscape has not seen a major wildfire in more than five decades, leaving behind dense, dry vegetation that has helped feed the fire as it burns across steep and difficult terrain.
Authorities said Monday that there remained “ongoing concern it could keep spreading south,” while firefighters focused on defending structures and building additional containment lines.
Crews gained some ground on the northern edge through carefully planned firing operations, while Super Scooper aircraft made repeated water drops along the fire’s southern flank near Los Burros Road.
Nearly 1,000 firefighters and support personnel are now assigned to the blaze, along with 41 engines, 15 water tenders, 12 helicopters, six bulldozers and 26 hand crews, according to the incident report.
At least one strcuture was previously reported destroyed, according to KSBW, citing local sources and US Forest Service firefighters. The latest official report foes not provide an updated damage total.
The fire has also forced the closure of roughly 56 miles of Highway 1, from south of Little Sur River at Mile Marker 56 to just north of the San Luis Obispo County line. Officials have not provided an estimated reopening time.
Evacuation orders remain in force across seven Monterey County zones, while warnings cover four additional zones in Monterey County and three in San Luis Obispo County.
Shelters have been established at the Carmel Mission Inn and the Veterans Memorial Building in Cambria.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
