Plaskett Fire explodes to nearly 27,000 acres as fire officials issue alarming warning

A Big Sur wildfire has exploded to nearly 27,000 acres in less than a week — eclipsing another massive blaze burning nearby — as fire officials warn it could continue spreading south.

The Plaskett Fire had scorched 26,734 acres and remained just 1% contained Monday night, according to the latest official incident report.

That marked a staggering increase form the 15,479 acres reported Monday morning and made the Plaskett Fire larger than the nearby Timber Fire, which has burned 25,190 acres and is 22% contained KSBW reported.

The Plaskett Fire started Wednesday with just 50 acres burning near Forest Road 23S10, east of Los Burros Road.

Fire officials said it showed “continued aggressive growth” Monday, primarily along its eastern edge as flames pushed deeper into Fort Hunter Ligget.

The area has not experienced a major wildfire in more than 50 years, leaving thick vegetation that has helped fuel the inferno as it tears through steep and rugged terrain.

Officials said Monday there was “ongoing concern it could keep spreading south” as crews worked to protect buildings and construct new containment lines.

Firefighters made progress along the nothern edge using strategic burns to slow the flames, while Super Scooper aircraft repeatedly attacked the southern flank near Los Burros Road.

Nearly 1,000 firefighters and support personnel are now assigned to the blaze, along with 41 engines, 15 water tenders, 12 helicopters, six bulldozers and 26 hand crews, according to the incident report.

At least one strcuture was previously reported destroyed, according to KSBW, citing local sources and US Forest Service firefighters. The latest official report foes not provide an updated damage total.

The fire has also forced the closure of roughly 56 miles of Highway 1, from south of Little Sur River at Mile Marker 56 to just north of the San Luis Obispo County line. Officials have not provided an estimated reopening time.

Evacuation orders remain in force across seven Monterey County zones, while warnings cover 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 fire remains under investigation.

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