Drought conditions are fueling a late fall forest fire raging in the Big Sur region of California.

Fire officials say the slow-moving blaze in Los Padres National Forest had burned around 770 acres by late Tuesday night and destroyed at least 14 homes. The fire was reported to be 20 percent contained.

Up to 650 firefighters are on site fighting the blaze and the weather has been favorable for stopping the fire’s spread. However, officials say a weather front moving in Wednesday could tip the scales in favor of the fire.

“It could possibly help us,” Los Padres National Forest spokesman Lynn Olson said. “It could possibly hurt us.”

The popular tourist area has been hit by wildfires in the past. A summer 2008 blaze forced the evacuation of the area and burned 250 square miles before it was contained including the destruction of a dozen homes.

Among the homes destroyed since Monday was the home of the Big Sur Fire Chief, Martha Karstens. She had lived in her home for 23 years when it was destroyed Monday night. Karstens said she was focusing on fighting the fire and functioning as a chief without thinking about her now destroyed home.