A fast-moving wildfire in Big Sur, California, has rapidly expanded to nearly 27,000 acres, officials reported Tuesday morning. The Plaskett Fire, which started with 50 acres on Wednesday, has become the largest active wildfire in the state, showing significant growth in less than a week.

As of Tuesday morning, the Plaskett Fire had scorched 26,734 acres and was only 1% contained. This represents a substantial increase from the 15,479 acres reported Monday morning. The fire's aggressive growth has surpassed that of a nearby blaze, the Timber Fire, which has burned 25,190 acres and is 22% contained.

Fire officials have expressed ongoing concern that the Plaskett Fire could continue to spread south. The fire began near Forest Road 23S10, east of Los Gatos Road, and has primarily spread to the east, pushing into Fort Hunter Liggett. The area has not experienced a major wildfire in over 50 years, leading to dense vegetation that is fueling the inferno as it moves through steep and rugged terrain.

Crews are working to protect structures and establish new containment lines. Firefighters have made progress along the northern edge of the fire using strategic burns, while aerial resources, including Super Scooper aircraft, have targeted the southern flank near Los Burros Road.

Nearly 1,000 firefighters and support personnel are assigned to the incident, supported by 41 engines, 15 water tenders, 12 helicopters, six bulldozers, and 26 hand crews. One structure has previously been reported destroyed, though the latest official report does not provide an updated damage total.

The fire has led to the closure of approximately 56 miles of Highway 1, from south of the Little Sur River at Mile Marker 56 to just north of the San Luis Obispo County line. An estimated reopening time has not been provided. Evacuation orders remain in place for seven zones in Monterey County, with warnings issued for four additional zones in Monterey County and three in San Luis Obispo County. Shelters have been established at the Carmel Mission Inn and the Veterans Memorial Building in Cambria.

The cause of the Plaskett Fire is currently under investigation.