Big Sur Wildfires Burn 40,000 Acres, Close Highway 1

Two massive wildfires burning along California's rugged Big Sur coast have scorched more than 40,000 acres combined, prompting evacuations, closing a major highway, and sending smoke as far as Nevada. The Timber and Plaskett fires in Monterey County continue to challenge firefighters with steep terrain and thick vegetation, with containment efforts hampered by the remote landscape. As of Monday morning, the larger Timber fire had burned approximately 24,970 acres and was 21% contained. The blaze, first reported on August 9, remains the third-largest wildfire in California this year. Crews are focused on reinforcing existing fire lines to prevent further spread, according to Cal Fire.