Big Sur Wildfire Fight Now Costliest In U.S. History
BIG SUR, Monterey County (KCBS) – Nearly two months after it started, the deadly Soberanes Fire near Big Sur in Monterey County has become the costliest fire to fight in U.S. history.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, $206 million has been spent on firefighting since the fire broke out on July 22nd.
Officials said the firefighting cost is rising about $2 million each day. The cost is high because of the remote location of the blaze in the Los Padres National Forest.
As of Monday, the fire has scorched 117,656 square miles (183.8 square miles) and is 67 percent contained.
The fire killed a bulldozer operator who was helping fight the blaze. Investigators say the blaze was sparked by an illegal campfire.
About 2,000 firefighters remain on the fire lines. Firefighters expect full containment by the end of September.