Big Sur is Threatened as Fire Edges Closer

A huge wildfire is burning through a national forest and flames inched toward the scenic tourist town of Big Sur. Firefighters rushed there Thursday to protect historic structures and hundreds of homes. Fire engines stood guard next to rustic buildings as thick smoke and ash drifted over the Pacific Ocean brought on by flames from a lightning sparked blaze that was creeping closer and closer. Firefighters fortified their lines near populated areas but were letting the fire rage nearly unchecked through steep mountain forests. The flames torched massive redwoods and sent them toppling. As of last Thursday the blaze was only 3 percent contained and had burned nearly 37 square miles near the coast about a mile south of Big Sur. The Governor of California says they used to only have fires in the fall but now it seems to be year round.