California's Big Sur region is once again playing host to an uninvited guest - a wildfire that, in classic wildfire fashion, doubled in size overnight and sent residents packing. The Plaskett fire, which kicked off on Tuesday, had mowed through more than 5,900 acres (2,400 hectares) in Monterey county by Friday, and remains gloriously un-contained, according to Cal Fire. Because why would it contain itself? The cause is, of course, under investigation, because that's what we say when we don't know and the fire isn't talking.

Fire authorities have deployed helicopters and air tankers to do the whole water-drop dance, but the remote area's steep terrain and scarce roads have made ground crews feel like they're trying to fight a fire in a maze. Meanwhile, to the north, the Timber fire continues its relentless march through more than 24,000 acres (9,700 hectares), with authorities managing a measly 21% containment. The blaze broke past certain containment lines, because containment lines are more like suggestions to a fire. Smoke and cloud cover prevented officials from mapping the fire's expansion overnight, which is just as well - ignorance is bliss when your county is on fire.

Both fires have prompted partial closures of Highway 1, whose Big Sur stretch offers a scenic route between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Because nothing says 'scenic' like a road closed due to flames. So if you were planning a coastal drive, maybe pick a different route - one that doesn't involve firefighting helicopters as a roadside attraction.