Big Sur wildfire razes 20 homes

A fast-growing wildfire that scorched 16,100 acres along the coastline near Big Sur has destroyed 20 homes and is threatening more than 1,600 other structures, officials say.

The Soberanes fire started Friday in Soberanes Creek at Garrapata State Park south of Carmel, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

The blaze has forced about 300 residents to evacuate, while scores of homes in Carmel Highlands remain under an evacuation warning, Cal Fire said.

Situated along the Pacific coast, the park’s canyons are filled with redwoods and sagebrush, which makes the firefight difficult and explosive. The blaze is just 10% contained.

“The fire remains active and dynamic, with access being challenging,” Cal Fire said. In addition to the homes, two outbuildings have also been destroyed.

The 2,285 firefighters deployed to the fire have struggled to gain access to where the fire is burning. High temperatures and low humidity have also created difficult conditions.

Officials have increased aerial resources on the fire, with 14 helicopters and six air tankers dropping water and fire retardant.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

On Sunday, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office ordered mandatory evacuations for homes in the community of Palo Colorado. Residents were also ordered to evacuate in the areas of Rocky Creek, Weston Ridge Road, Garrapatos Road and Highway 1 at Old Coast Road south to Old Coast Road at Bixby Creek Road.

Palo Colorado, Robinson Canyon Road and Weston Ridge roads at Highway 1 were closed.