Firefighters on Thursday worked to contain a new wildfire that ignited along California's Big Sur coast, prompting fresh evacuations in a region already dealing with a separate, much larger blaze. The new fire, dubbed the Plaskett Fire, began Wednesday in steep terrain in Monterey County near Highway 1.
Officials briefly closed a section of the scenic coastal highway Thursday afternoon as crews, supported by water-dropping aircraft, responded to the rapidly advancing flames. Some isolated properties were placed under evacuation orders and warnings. The Plaskett Fire had no containment as of Thursday evening, and its cause remains under investigation.
About 40 miles to the north, the Timber Fire, which has been active since Aug. 8, continued to burn. Crews have been conducting back-burning operations, a tactic involving the deliberate ignition of brush, to prevent the larger fire from spreading toward populated areas of Big Sur. The Timber Fire has consumed nearly 31 square miles and is more than 20% contained.
The region's fire danger is elevated due to increased risks of lightning and gusty winds, exacerbated by the remnants of a recent tropical storm.