The Soberanes Fire that is burning in Monterey County has turned deadly, Cal Fire officials said Wednesday morning.
Cal Fire officials say a bulldozer operator was killed in the fire. No further details on the death have been released.
Nearly 3,000 firefighters are battling a wildfire in Monterey County that has increased to 23,500 acres as of Tuesday evening, officials said.
The Soberanes Fire remains at only 10 percent contained as firefighters continue to aggressively attack the fast moving fire.
Cal Fire officials said the blaze had destroyed 20 homes and two outbuildings, while 2,000 structures remained threatened.
The extensive fire has led 300 residents to evacuate from the Palo Colorado community, Old Coast Road, Rocky Creek Road, Bixby Creek Road from state Highway 1 south to Mesa Road, Corona Road east of Highway 1 and Riley Ranch Road east of Highway 1, Cal Fire officials said.
The blaze began shortly after 8:45 a.m. Friday at Soberanes Creek in Garrapata State Park, north of Big Sur, and crews expect to reach full containment on Aug. 5, according to Cal Fire.