Big Sur, CA (AP)  -- An explosive wildfire is ravaging the hillsides above Big Sur, California, leaving the popular tourist region mostly deserted ahead of the holiday weekend.

Still, some people are defying orders to evacuate. They're staying behind to try to save their homes and businesses from the blaze, which has burned 100 square miles of the Los Padres National Forest and destroyed at least 17 homes.

The raging blaze near Big Sur is one of more than 1,700 wildfires that have scorched nearly 800 square miles and destroyed more than 60 structures across northern and central California.

The National Weather Service is warning of high fire danger in the Big Sur area because of dry and windy conditions. A statewide drought has created tinder-like trees and brush, feeding the flames in California's forests.