The Colorado fire that broke out in Big Sur last Friday continues to burn out of control.
As of Monday, the fire reportedly burned more than 700 acres and is about 35% contained. Mandatory evacuation orders are in place for all areas west of 3800 Palo Colorado Rd. to Highway 1, and south to Bixby Creek.
The fire broke out Friday evening when PG&E cameras picked up on the initial sparks of the blaze by Rocky Creek and Palo Colorado Canyon, east of the Bixby Bridge.
Weather conditions over the weekend exacerbated the fire, with wind gusts as high as 35 mph blowing Friday night and into early Saturday.
But starting Monday, more favorable weather conditions might prove helpful to firefighters working to contain the blaze.
"Overall conditions are favorable in that we're looking at much lighter winds than we saw earlier this weekend," said National Weather Service meteorologist Ryan Walbrun.
The winds on Monday are expected to be much milder, at just 5 mph.
"I will say though that we don't have any rain the forecast down there," he said. "I would say at the earliest Friday, but realistically, might be another week or so before we see rain."
More than 200 structures are at risk to the flames, and there is concern over potential damage to the water system infrastructure.
Currently, the Monterey County Health Department has issued an advisory asking residents to boil their tap water or use bottled water for drinking and cooking.
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