Fast-growing Wildfire in Big Sur Forces Evacuations of Iconic Sites

The fire began Sunday morning in the Los Padres National Forest southeast of the neighborhood of Loma Vista and quickly scorched 400 acres, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. By Monday afternoon, it had more than quadrupled in size. Firefighters on the ground are experiencing extremely steep and rugged terrain mixed with hot, dry temperatures and winds that are pretty variable, Cal Fire Battalion Chief Josh Silveira said.

The winds are switching directions pretty regularly, so it’s definitely giving us challenges in getting the upper hand on this type of fire. Evacuation orders were issued, and then expanded, Monday as the fire grew. A map of areas affected by evacuation orders and warnings is available for public reference.