Vegetation fire sparks at Big Sur, burns 1.6 acres

Early Monday morning, units from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), U. S. Forest Service and Big Sur Fire Brigade responded to a vegetation fire on North Coast Ridge Road, approximately one mile from Highway 1, behind the Ventana Inn.

Nine fire engines, two water tenders, one dozer, two hand crews, three Chief Officers, and one Fire Investigator were dispatched for a total of 61 firefighters.

Upon arrival, firefighters reported the fire to be difficult to assess due to the steep terrain and heavy fuels, but was burning at a slow rate of spread. Due to the difficulty of controlling the fire in such steep terrain and the exposure of several nearby homes, some residents were evacuated as a precaution. The fire was contained at 3:31 a.m. at 1.6 acres, and crews continue to mop-up this morning. Control of the fire is expected today.

There were no injuries to firefighters during this incident. The cause of the fire is under investigation.