Water Company Blamed for Big Sur Fire That Damaged 36 Homes

The National Forest Service says a water company’s electrical wires started a fire that burned about three dozen homes in north-central California’s scenic Big Sur region.

The Dec. 15, 2013 fire also burned about 900 acres in Los Padres National Forest. A forest service report released Wednesday said a water company’s electrical wires ignited dry leaves and redwood needles in the forest.

The blaze took several days and the work of 1,000 firefighters to extinguish. It occurred in the heart of Big Sur, a roughly 90-mile stretch of the coast that’s famous for its views and winding highway.

The forest service identified the water company as Pfeiffer Ridge Mutual Water Company. Water company officials could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday.