Colorado Fire near Big Sur closes part of Pacific Coast Highway reaches 5% containment

Sheyanne N Romero, Salinas Californian
·2 min read
A Cal Fire engine drives by a burning tree in Twin Bridges, Calif., on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021.
A Cal Fire engine drives by a burning tree in Twin Bridges, Calif., on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021.

Mandatory evacuations were ordered as a fire in Big Sur's Palo Colorado Canyon jumped in size overnight.

The Colorado Fire was reported Friday night near the Mid Coast Fire Station. At the time, it was 100 acres. As of Saturday morning, the fire had scorched 1,500 acres and is 5% contained, according to Cal Fire.

Areas west of 3800 Palo Colorado Road to Highway 1, and south to Bixby Creek were asked to evacuate by the Monterey County Sheriff's Office. The evacuation orders are mandatory.

Highway 1 is closed north of Big Sur but residents and visitors can still access the town from the south, Caltrans District 5 officials stated on Saturday.

Winter wildland fires are rare and the cause of this fire remains unknown.

An American Red Cross Shelter is open at Carmel Middle School, 4380 Carmel Valley Road, in Carmel-By-The-Sea. Click here to view an evacuation map. Text MCWILDFIRE to 888777 to receive fire alerts from Monterey County Office of Emergency Services.

Community comes together for fire evacuees

Monterey County’s hospitality industry jumped into action following the Colorado Fire mandatory evacuations.

Local hotels are offering discounted rates to Big Sur residents impacted by the ire. A complete list of lodging properties, including details on contact information and rates can be found by clicking here.

Visit Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau's Community Connection webpage for more details on available resources.

Fires continue to be Central Coast issue

Multiple fires sparked over the years have left burn scars along the coast.

An unusual lightning storm sparked The River and Carmel fires in 2020, which together destroyed more than 100 buildings, damaged 20 structures and torched about 55,000 acres in Carmel Valley and Corral De Tierra.

The Dolan Fire, in Bug Sur, raged across 128,000 acres after, Monterey County sheriff's deputies said, a marijuana grower allegedly ignited it to hide the bodies of five homicide victims.

He faces allegations of arson, although deputies have said they don't believe there are any bodies up there. He has been found competent to stand trial, according to Monterey County Superior Court online records.

This article originally appeared on Salinas Californian: Colorado Fire near Big Sur closes part of PCH, reaches 5% containment