News

Actions

California wildfire was started by illegal campfire, police say

Posted
and last updated

A fire official says a deadly wildfire that continues to spread near California's scenic Big Sur was started by an illegal campfire.

Fire information officer Deborah McClain said Tuesday that investigators determined the blaze started July 22 in an area of Garapata State Park where campfires are prohibited.

McClain says officials are still trying to determine who started the campfire and are asking for information from campers who were in the area before the massive blaze charred 67 square miles and destroyed 57 homes.

A bulldozer operator working the fire lines was killed last week in a rollover accident in steep, forested ridges.

Sign up for our Morning E-mail Newsletter to receive the latest headlines in your inbox.

,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Wednesday

10/22/2025

Mostly Clear

-° / 57°

6%

Thursday

10/23/2025

Clear

75° / 55°

4%

Friday

10/24/2025

Mostly Clear

80° / 54°

3%

Saturday

10/25/2025

Partly Cloudy

76° / 55°

10%

Sunday

10/26/2025

Clear

73° / 54°

4%

Monday

10/27/2025

Clear

74° / 54°

3%

Tuesday

10/28/2025

Clear

75° / 54°

3%

Wednesday

10/29/2025

Mostly Clear

78° / 56°

3%