(Reuters] – On Sunday, firefighters made significant progress fighting a blaze that was burning in the Big Sur Mountains in California. The fire forced evacuations and shut down a major road.

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, (Cal Fire), 25% of the Colorado Fire was contained by Sunday morning and had burned just over 1000 acres.

A section of State Highway 1 was closed due to flames caused by strong winds. It is a famous scenic route that runs north and south along the Pacific Coast. The highway connects Garrapata Creek with Point Sur.

According to authorities, the cause of fire is unknown.

Cal Fire spokesperson Cecile Juliette stated that “this has been a wind-driven fire” in an interview by phone on Sunday. She said that just under 200 people were involved in fighting the wildfire, which prompted the evacuation of approximately 500 people.

Cal Fire stated that the department did not know of any injuries, and that only one structure had been damaged.

California has had an active wildfire seasons for a long time. But, in recent years it has become more brutal, at least partly due to climate change.

Juliette stated that there have been several fires in northern California over the past few years, which were different from the ones of 10 to 15 years ago. “They have been bigger (with) more energy, hotter, and spread faster. “This is California, the new California.”

Juliette stated that a January wildfire was unusual.

Cal Fire reported that the wildfire season began unusually early last year due to ongoing drought conditions and low reservoir levels. According to the office, 297 fires were put out on 1171 acres in January 2021.

California also faces the Santa Ana winds. The National Weather Service reported that several wind advisory were in place for the Southern part of California, but they were lifted Sunday afternoon.