Hundreds of residents remained evacuated from the California coast on Sunday as a wildfire burned through a canyon near Big Sur, closing part of the state’s historic Pacific Coast Highway in both directions .
A reduction in strong winds allowed firefighters to better control the blazes early Sunday, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection spokeswoman Cecile Juliette told The Associated Press. The blaze, known as the Colorado Fire, burned 700 acres and was 35% content as of Sunday evening, according to CalFire.
Only one structure was damaged by the fire, CalFire said.
The wildfire started Friday evening in the Palo Colorado Canyon before wind gusts of up to 50 mph pushed it towards the coast. A structure was damaged as a result of the fire, according to CalFire. A section of Highway 1 between Garrapata Creek and Point Sur was closed in both directions.
“Fire behavior was moderate with some wind-driven streaks late Saturday evening and Sunday morning with a few isolated tree fires,” Cal Fire wrote in an update on its website. “Crews will continue to build and improve containment lines and clear hot spots on Sunday.”
On Saturday, photos shared on social media showed flames visible from the iconic Bixby Bridge, featured in TV shows and movies, including HBO’s “Big Little Lies.”
California has been grappling with wildfire threats since November brought high winds to Santa Ana. Seasonal dry winds produced intense gusts and caused wildfire warnings for more than 17 million people and tens of thousands of power outages in the region.
Last summer, the state battled the Dixie Fire, which began July 13 and became the second-largest blaze in state history, burning 963,309 acres until it burned down. be completely under control at the end of October. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection officials concluded this month that the Dixie Fire was started by power lines belonging to Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
The cause of the Colorado fire is under investigation.
Contribute: The Associated Press
