Coastal California wildfire near Big Sur at 35% containment; Highway 1 remains closed in both directions

A wildfire stoked by strong offshore winds and dry conditions near California's picturesque Big Sur coastline was 35% contained on Monday, fire officials said.

The fire's estimated size was reduced to about 700 acres on Sunday through improved mapping, down from an original estimation of 1,050 acres, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

"Winds continue to create challenges for crews along the fire perimeter," CalFire wrote in an update on its website. "Seasonable temperatures are expected much of this week and relative humidity values are forecast to increase Monday. Firefighters continue to strengthen control lines and mop-up hot spots."

The blaze, named the Colorado Fire for its origin in the Palo Colorado Canyon, made a fast approach toward the state's coastline on Friday night, pushed by wind gusts up to 50 mph.

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There's no precipitation in the forecast through early next week, according to AccuWeather, though high air pressure over the next few days should calm winds.

Forecasters predicted the San Francisco Bay region will be dry and mild this week, while Southern California will experience another round of gusty Santa Ana winds late Tuesday through Wednesday.

An evacuation order put into place Friday for 500 residents was still in effect on Monday afternoon, and Highway 1 along the coast remains closed in both directions from Garrapata Creek to Point Sur, according to CalFire. The count on the number of structures damaged in the fire remained at one.

Eight firefighting crews, 286 personnel, three helicopters, nine water tenders and 22 fire engines have been assigned to the blaze, according to CalFire.

The Monterey County Health Department issued a boil water notice Sunday night for those in the area of the fire due to potential damage to water system infrastructure.

The cause of the wildfire remains under investigation.

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Big Sur fire in coastal California 35% contained; Highway 1 closed