Colorado Fire in Big Sur is now 45% contained; evacuation center closes

Crews continue to increase containment of the Colorado Fire in Big Sur, and officials have closed the evacuation center, according to the latest update from Cal Fire.

The fire is now 45 percent contained as of Tuesday morning, according to Cal Fire’s update.

It began on Friday at 5:19 p.m. and has burned about 700 acres. The fire behavior was “moderate” overnight and onshore winds along the coast increased humidity in the area, Cal Fire said. Cal Fire anticipated that those conditions would remain similar throughout the day.

The Carmel Middle School evacuation center closed as of Tuesday morning and there are no other emergency shelters in the area, according to Monterey County Office of Emergency Services. Cal Fire said the Red Cross is providing hotel vouchers, and OES said evacuees can call 211 for discounted rates at hotels.

Between 200 and 500 people have been evacuated from the area. Evacuation orders remain in effect.

“Firefighters will continue strengthening control lines and mopping up hot spots,” the report said.

The fire burned near the landmark Bixby Bridge in Big Sur south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, but it was not damaged. One residential or commercial structure has been destroyed, and Highway 1 remains closed from Garrapata Creek to Point Sur.

Cal Fire has nearly doubled some of its resources since Monday, with 476 firefighters, 15 hand crews and 53 fire engines on the scene. Three helicopters, nine water tenders and four dozers are also helping battle the blaze.

The cause of the fire is unknown.