Second Fire Erupts in Big Sur, Prompting Highway 1 Closure

Firefighters are battling two wildfires in the mountains of Big Sur, California. The larger Timber Fire, which has been active since August 9, has burned over 19,000 acres and is currently 21 percent contained. The newly ignited Plaskett Fire started on August 26 and has already consumed 140 acres with no containment.

In response to the fires, Cal Fire has closed an eight-mile section of Highway 1 to facilitate firefighting operations. This closure comes just two days after the highway was reopened. The Plaskett Fire is located in steep terrain, prompting the use of nine aircraft for water and retardant drops, while ground crews are working to protect eight threatened structures.

The California Highway Patrol implemented the road closure as the National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for the area, anticipating potential lightning and strong winds due to the remnants of Tropical Storm Iselle.