Second fire growing rapidly in Big Sur burns toward Highway 1

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Set us as preferred With firefighters already struggling to contain the Timber fire in Big Sur, a second wildfire in the region grew rapidly Friday — sending flames in the direction of Highway 1.The Plaskett fire, which ignited Tuesday in a remote area about 30 miles down the coast from where the Timber fire started, exploded from about 140 acres Thursday to roughly 5,900 acres by 9 p.m.

Friday, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.As the Plaskett fire continues to grow, more evacuation orders and warnings were issued across the region.“The Plaskett grew today in part [due] to the red flag weather conditions we experienced in the fire area,” Cal Fire Battalion Chief Josh Silveira wrote in a text message.As a result, he said, Cal Fire had difficulties flying an “intel” plane over the area.

California Nearly 20 days in, the Timber fire continues to grow at a “rapid pace,” officials say.Meanwhile, Big Sur businesses are missing out on their most lucrative seasonThe fire was approaching Highway 1 just south of Plaskett Ridge Road, the department said in a Friday afternoon update that included several photos where flames could be seen near the pivotal scenic highway.It also warned, “fire behavior is beginning to increase.” Silveira said the fire was still headed toward Highway 1 as of Friday evening.

It was not immediately clear how close it was to the road.California Highway Patrol, which previously closed a 40-mile stretch of Highway 1 in the area of the fires, said Friday it had adjusted the bounds of the closure.The highway is now closed from Little Sur River (mile marker 56) in the north to Gorda (mile marker 10.1) in the south.

California For those who make a living in tourism, the Timber fire marks nature’s latest blow to Big Sur, a beloved, yet often plagued, coastal...