California fire forces Big Sur residents to flee homes

Blaze that started in Palo Colorado canyon engulfed more than 100 hectares

A wildfire known as the Colorado Fire engulfs fencing next to Highway 1, near Big Sur, California, US. All photos: AP Photo

An emergency vehicle passes along Highway 1 near Big Sur, as wildfires burn.

A house and trees are silhouetted by a wall of flames from the Colorado Fire near Highway 1 at Big Sur.

Late on Friday, Monterey County officials ordered the evacuation of residents from the Big Sur area, as the Colorado Fire engulfed more than 100 hectares.

The Colorado Fire illuminates Rocky Creek Bridge on Highway 1 as it burns below.

The Colorado Fire burns along Highway 1 near Big Sur, Calif. , Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022. (AP Photo / Nic Coury)

An emergency services vehicle on Highway 1. The American Red Cross opened a shelter in the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea for evacuated residents.

A California Highway Patrol officer drives south on Highway 1 as the Colorado Fire burns near Big Sur. Strong winds were forecast for Friday into Saturday at high elevations.

Residents in the Big Sur area of California were told to leave their homes to escape a raging fire that started late on Friday.

Monterey County officials ordered the evacuation after the blaze began in the Palo Colorado canyon.

It spread to cover more than 100 hectares.

Highway 1 was closed in both directions from Andrew Molera State Park to Carmel-by-the-Sea.

The American Red Cross said it was setting up a shelter at a school.

A wind advisory had been issued in the Bay Area for Friday night to Saturday morning.

But National Weather Service meteorologists had said strong winds were most likely at higher elevations.