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Deputy: 'Hikers' Rescued From Big Sur Fire Likely Marijuana Growers

MONTEREY COUNTY (CBS SF/AP) -- Authorities say that a group of people rescued by Monterey County Sheriff's deputies Tuesday during a wildfire near California's Big Sur denied being marijuana growers, but the deputy did not believe them.

The group of eight hikers had been stranded for days in a forest inside the massive Soberanes Fire when were rescued by fire crews Tuesday, according to authorities.

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The hikers had been lost and stranded in the fire zone for at least five days. The Monterey County blaze has been raging out of control since Friday.

Sgt. Kathy Palazzolo said Thursday that one of the seven people in the group told a deputy they were backcountry hikers caught in the fire, but the deputy reported that they were not dressed as hikers.

Another spokesman for the department told the Monterey Herald they appeared to be illegal marijuana growers.

The hikers could have been victims of the Soberanes Fire, but CalFire and Monterey Country Sheriff's deputies managed to track them down during a search and rescue Tuesday.

The hikers were initially spotted by bulldozer crews assisting in the fight against the fire. After hours and hours of searching with assistance from air support, rescuers were able to locate the men.

The hikers were found and evacuated to the east end of Palo Colorado Road in Carmel.

Palazzolo says a separate group of four walked out of the area earlier this week. They acknowledged growing marijuana.

TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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