Soberanes Fire grows over 10,000 acres, prompts evacuations

BIG SUR, California -- Cal Fire officials said a large wildfire in Monterey County has burned more than 10,000 acres since it first broke out Friday morning.

Containment for the Soberanes Fire, which is burning in an area north of Big Sur and near Garrapata State Park, is at least five percent.

The fire started Friday around 8:50 a.m. and has quickly grown in size. The fire was reported to have burned 6,500 acres Saturday evening and grew to 10,262 acres by Sunday morning.

The fire has destroyed one outbuilding and is currently threatening about 1,650 structures, Cal Fire officials said.

At least one person was reported injured. Information about the extent of their injuries and their condition was not immediately available.

Firefighters with Cal Fire and various other fire departments throughout the area are attempting to battle the fire from both the air and on ground. Because the fire is located in a remote area, access is challenging, according to Cal Fire officials.

Mandatory evacuations began Friday night for residents in the community of Palo Colorado and remain in effect. Evacuations are advised for residents in the community of Carmel Highlands, but are not mandatory, Cal Fire officials said.

An evacuation center has been opened at Carmel Middle School at 4380 Carmel Valley Road in Carmel-By-The-Sea for residents affected by the fire.

Monterey County officials also announced that Toro Park will be closed starting Sunday as firefighters continue to battle the wildfire.

The park will be used by Cal Fire crew members as a base camp and will remain closed to the public until the firefighting efforts are complete, county officials said.

Click here for full coverage on the Soberanes Fire.