(AP) — Firefighters struggled Thursday to get the upper hand on a massive wildfire along Northern California's picturesque Big Sur coastline, where anxious residents awaited word on their homes and popular parks and trails closed at the height of tourist season. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection estimated it will take until the end of August to extinguish a blaze that also led to the rescue of 11 hikers, some of whom authorities suspected of tending to an illegal marijuana patch of 900 plants. Firefighters worked in rugged terrain near coastal Highway 1 in an area that draws tourists from around the world for the dramatic vistas of ocean and mountains. The famous roadway remained open, but smoke and the threat of flames forced the closure of state parks near Big Sur, a big economic driver for the region. The Fresno County man's sister, Hannah Cunnings, told The Associated Press that her brother was the kind of person who would offer to put snow chains on your car or fix an engine that needed repair. There was no evidence to suggest the fire was sparked by marijuana cultivation, but authorities were still investigating what did, Cal Fire spokesman Robert Fish said.