BIG SUR, Calif. — California’s biggest wildfire expanded overnight to more than 104 square miles north of scenic Big Sur.
An army of more than 5,000 firefighters and an air force of tankers and helicopters made progress, however, surrounding 50 percent of the nearly three-week old fire.
Due to increased wind and flames from the spreading fire, Highway 1 was closed Monday night but reopened early Tuesday. More temporary closures could follow.
Some residents have been allowed to return to their homes, but some evacuation orders remained in place, while others were reduced to warnings.
Five state parks on Highway 1 between San Francisco and Los Angeles remained closed.
The fire, which has destroyed 57 homes, damaged three others and led to the death of a bulldozer operator in an accident, was caused by an illegal campfire.
The fire broke out shortly after noon Sunday and is burning between the resort community of Lake Arrowhead and the city of Hesperia in the high desert below the north face of the mountain range.
The Hesperia Unified School District has closed its schools as a precaution due to the fire’s northward movement. The Apple Valley Unified School District is also closed Tuesday due to poor air quality.
