A fire in California’s Big Sur region has doubled in size overnight, prompting evacuations and complicating firefighting efforts due to difficult terrain.
The Plaskett fire, which began on Tuesday, has burned through more than 5,900 acres in Monterey county as of Friday and remains un-contained, according to Cal Fire. Its cause is under investigation. The fire has more than doubled in size since it first ignited, prompting evacuations in nearby communities. The area has been a focus of firefighting efforts for weeks, as crews have worked to contain multiple blazes in the region.
Firefighters have used helicopters and air tankers to suppress the flames, but the remote area’s steep terrain and limited road access have hindered ground operations. Meanwhile, the nearby Timber fire continues to burn through more than 24,000 acres, with less than 21% containment. Both fires have led to partial closures of Highway 1, a key scenic route between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Smoke from the fire and cloud cover prevented officials from mapping the fire’s expansion overnight.
Why it matters
Evacuations are necessary as the fire spreads rapidly through Monterey county.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Watch whether the cause of the Plaskett fire is determined by investigators.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.