Fire Update: July 3, 6pm More than 10,000 acres burned today, with the size of the fire now at more than 64,000 acres. The evacuation in Big Sur has displaced 1,500 residents and is threatening 500 homes and 20 businesses. The California Highway Patrol has now closed Highway 1 from Palo Colorado Road south to Lucia. Palo Colorado Road is open to residents only, and a voluntary evacuation has been issued for Palo Colorado residences. The Basin Complex Fire continues to move downslope toward Highway 1, and remains east of the highway. The fire is about 200 yards from the road near Ventana Inn, and fire crews and trucks, with support from helicopters, are trying to prevent flames from reaching the Inn. About .6 miles to the north, near Loma Vista (home to Big Sur Bakery, the gas station and Spirit Gardens, along with a number of residences), the blaze reportedly is several hundred yards away, and the heat from the fire can be felt. Structures lost were holding at 17. The U.S. Forest Service is investigating reports that two or three other structures had burned. The fire is considered a “mixed-severity fire,” in which a combination of damage is occurring to existing forests—in some areas, everything is being killed, while other areas remain untouched or have spotty damage. The weather remains dry with winds out of the northwest, typical for this time of year. There is a forecast for increasing temperatures early next week, but no wind change. The Red Cross continues to operate the evacuation center at Carmel Middle School on Carmel Valley Road. Incident Report: http://165.221.39.44/incident/1367/ Monterey County Emergency Information: http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/PR_OES/PR_fire.htm Weather: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecasts/display_special_product_versions.php?sid=mtr&pil=afd SPCA information: http://165.221.39.44/incident/announcements/article/1367/7001/ Two years ago we reported that those responsible for controlling and preventing fire in Big Sur were concerned about the wet winter, dry brush, and extensive number of fallen trees resulting from sudden oak death syndrome. Read the Weekly's cover story by Deputy Editor Mark Anderson, from September 28, 2006. http://www.montereycountyweekly.com/archives/2006/2006-Sep-28/Article.cover_story/1/@@index