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Big Sur wildfire destroys 15 homes and 500 acres of national forest Big Sur wildfire destroys 15 homes and 500 acres of national forest
(about 4 hours later)
A wildfire in the Big Sur area of California destroyed at least 15 homes and forced about 100 people to evacuate as it burned through dry vegetation on its way towards the ocean on Monday. No injuries have been reported.A wildfire in the Big Sur area of California destroyed at least 15 homes and forced about 100 people to evacuate as it burned through dry vegetation on its way towards the ocean on Monday. No injuries have been reported.
The fire burned about 500 acres (200 hectares) in the Pfeiffer Ridge area of Los Padres national forest near state highway 1, forest spokesman Andrew Madsen said.The fire burned about 500 acres (200 hectares) in the Pfeiffer Ridge area of Los Padres national forest near state highway 1, forest spokesman Andrew Madsen said.
Madsen said the fire destroyed the home of Big Sur fire chief, Martha Karstens. Madsen said the fire had destroyed the home of Big Sur fire chief, Martha Karstens.
"She left thinking that she was going to go protect other people's homes," Madsen said, "and it turns out that her own home has been consumed". "She left thinking that she was going to go protect other people's homes," Madsen said, "and it turns out that her own home has been consumed."
Officials were hopeful that they could contain the blaze this week.Officials were hopeful that they could contain the blaze this week.
"This is a completely wind-driven fire," Madsen said. "We're cautiously optimistic that we're going to pin this thing down within the next couple of days.""This is a completely wind-driven fire," Madsen said. "We're cautiously optimistic that we're going to pin this thing down within the next couple of days."
The Red Cross set up an overnight shelter for people who have been displaced by the fire, Madsen said. The Red Cross has set up an overnight shelter for people who have been displaced by the fire, Madsen said.
Big Sur is a popular tourist destination along the central California coast with high-end resorts and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.Big Sur is a popular tourist destination along the central California coast with high-end resorts and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
Residences were scattered in the path of the fire that was being battled by 625 firefighters. Officials also brought in air tankers and helicopters. Residences were scattered in the path of the fire, which was being battled by 625 firefighters. Officials also brought in air tankers and helicopters.
Evacuations of the area remained in effect as of 10.30pm on Monday.Evacuations of the area remained in effect as of 10.30pm on Monday.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.The cause of the fire was under investigation.
A wildfire so late in the year is unusual but not surprising given that California is enduring the driest calendar year on record.A wildfire so late in the year is unusual but not surprising given that California is enduring the driest calendar year on record.
A lightning-sparked wildfire in 2008 forced the evacuation of Big Sur and blackened 250 square miles (650 qp km) before it was contained. That blaze burned more than a dozen homes. A lightning-sparked wildfire in 2008 forced the evacuation of Big Sur and blackened 650 sq km (250 sq miles) before it was contained. That blaze burned more than a dozen homes.
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