A wild land fire in the rugged mountains of Big Sur near Palo Colorado Canyon Road and the famed Bixby Bridge has led to the mandatory evacuations of residents, according to Cecile Juliette of Cal Fire.
The fire, which could be seen from Santa Cruz in the night sky, is also burning along Long Ridge in an area with very little fire history, Juliette said. As of 1:30pm on Saturday the fire was only 5% contained.
Officials have also closed Highway 1 in the area, from Andrew Molera State Park in Big Sur to Granite Canyon Bridge.
The blaze broke out Friday evening just after 7pm with some news sources reporting downed power lines as the source.
Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies have been busy enforcing mandatory evacuation orders for all areas west of 3800 Palo Colorado Road to Highway 1 and south to Bixby Creek.
Juliette said there have been no injuries and only one structure, a yurt, or tent-like structure, has burned.
The American Red Cross has opened a shelter at Carmel Middle School, 4380 Carmel Valley Road in Carmel and the SPCA is providing emergency pet supplies at the Red Cross Shelter. For information with animal rescue issues, call 831-373-2631.
