Wildfire

A wildfire on Santa Rosa Island earlier this year burned through a grove of Torrey pines — threatening one of the rarest species of pine in the world.

The senators also warn that the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Wildland Fire Service don’t have enough staff to sustain operations.

The National Weather Service is warning swimmers to stay out of ocean waters due to swells through Labor Day weekend.

The SLO County Air Pollution Control District says that smoke from the fires is pooling in coastal areas.

The Plaskett Fire in Big Sur continued to grow to more than 15,000 acres over the weekend.

As of Saturday afternoon, the Plaskett Fire in southern Big Sur has grown to nearly 6,000 acres, as firefighters prepare for stronger winds and increased fire activity.

Exceptions to the closure order are in place for firefighters, as well as for land owners and residents who are not currently under an evacuation order.

The Big Sur coastline is known for its dramatic ocean views and steep cliffs covered with redwoods. However, those very features can stall wildfire response.

“The fire hasn't moved out of this footprint in well over 48 hours, which is a really good sign,” said Mike Theune, a spokesperson for the National Park Service.

A spokesperson didn’t say how many trees have burned, but the forest stand appears “intact.”