The Plaskett fire in California's Big Sur region doubled in size overnight, forcing evacuations of nearby residents, according to Cal Fire. The blaze, which sparked on Tuesday, had swept through more than 5,900 acres (2,400 hectares) in Monterey county as of Friday and remained un-contained.
Fire Growth and Containment Status
Cal Fire reported that the Plaskett fire remains un-contained, with its cause under investigation. The fire has prompted partial closures of Highway 1, whose Big Sur stretch offers a scenic route between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Fire authorities have deployed helicopters and air tankers to suppress the flames with targeted water drops. However, the remote area's steep terrain and scarce roads have hindered ground crews' ability to access the fire.
Timber Fire Continues to Burn
To the north, the Timber fire continues to burn through more than 24,000 acres (9,700 acres), with authorities reporting 21% containment. The blaze broke past certain containment lines, and smoke from the fire and cloud cover prevented officials from mapping the fire's expansion overnight.
Both fires have prompted partial closures of Highway 1, affecting travel along the scenic coastal route.
Evacuations and Response Efforts
Evacuations have been ordered for residents near the Plaskett fire, as firefighters work to protect structures and contain the flames. A firefighter was photographed moving an injured animal as the fire burned towards Highway 1 on Friday.
The Plaskett fire's rapid growth underscores the challenges faced by crews in the rugged terrain of Big Sur, where access remains limited and conditions continue to evolve.
