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BIG SUR, Calif. (AP) — Fire crews with water-dropping aircraft
attacked a small wildfire that prompted new evacuations Thursday
along California's remote Big Sur coast, where a much larger
blaze has been burning for nearly three weeks.
The Plaskett Fire erupted the previous day in steep terrain in
Monterey County near Highway 1. Officials briefly closed a
portion of the scenic coastal route Thursday afternoon as
firefighters scrambled to keep the flames from running through
canyons.
A handful of isolated properties were under evacuation orders
and warnings. The fire had no containment so far, and its cause
was under investigation.
About 40 miles (60 kilometers) to the north, officials closed
another section of the highway where the Timber Fire has been
active since Aug. 8. Crews performed back-burning operations,
deliberately setting fire to brush to keep the bigger blaze from
advancing toward populated areas of Big Sur.
The larger fire was nearly 31 square miles (80 square
kilometers), with more than 20% containment.
Fire danger is high in much of California due to an increased
risk of lightning and gusty winds from the remnants of a
tropical storm in the Pacific.
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