Links for phone users who can’t see the links to the right without scrolling through two years of posts. I’ll start with just a few, but if you have others you wish to see here, let me know.
Interactive Highway Map with Mile Markers and slide names is to the right, under “Pages” first one *Big Sur Interactive Maps... if the following link doesn’t work. *Big Sur Interactive Slide Maps will answer any questions you may have about where something is in relation to something else.
Location: Southeast of Loma Vista, Monterey County
Size: 25,190 acres
Start date: August 8, 2026
Percent contained: 21%
Personnel Assigned:2,016 Firefighters
Cause: Under investigation
Plaskett Fire:
Location: East of Plaskett, Monterey County
Size: 26,734 acres
Start date: August 26, 2026
Percent contained: 1%
Personnel Assigned: 955 Firefighters
Cause: Under investigation
Timber Fire: 25,190 Acres, 22% contained and 2,016 firefighters assigned.
The Timber Fire saw more moderated fire behavior and is currently 25,190 acres with 22% containment.
Firefighters worked to strengthen existing control lines and actively mop up along the Highway 1 corridor as well as suppression repair activities from Pfiefer Camp south.
Resources are connecting completed dozer line in all other areas of the fire to minimize the inland spread as much as possible.
Weather conditions are forecast to become more favorable moving through the weak as a unseasonable cool front moves into the area. While temperatures will drop, it will remain relatively dry with no significant precipitation in the forecast and humidities in the 30 to 35% range.
Plaskett Fire: 26,734 Acres, 1% Contained and 955 firefighters assigned.
The Plaskett Fire showed continued aggressive growth throughout the day today and now sits at 26,734 acres and 1% contained.
The growth was primarily along the eastern perimeter as the fire continues to push deeper into Fort Hunter Liggett in areas that have not seen fire in more than 50 years. Steep terrain and thick fuels remain the primary driver of fire behavior.
Crews made great progress along the northern edge of the Plaskett using strategic firing operations to help check the fire’s progress along the Slick Rock road system from San Miguel Creek east to Slickrock Creek.
Aerial resources were in heavy use along the southern edge to help slow the fire’s progress along Los Burros Road as firefighters continued structure defense operations.
Tonight’s operations will be a continuation of structure defense and protection measures with plans in place to hold the fire in the Willow Creek drainage to the south.
WEATHER: An early season trough of low pressure will bring unseasonably cool temperatures and higher humidity airmass over the Timber and Plaskett Fires tomorrow. This will be one of the coolest days since the fire started with highs mainly in the 60s and struggling to warm into the 70s, even for interior portions of the fire. General winds will continue to be onshore and from the West with gusts to around 15 mph for the exposed ridges along the Coast Ridge Trail. Lower elevations below 2000 feet will continue to see good humidity values that will help with mop-up operations. The air aloft should be cool enough to erode the marine inversion layer with cooler temperatures for the highest elevations above 3000 feet. Skies will be partly cloudy tonight as a weak frontal boundary passes through. The front may generate some very light showers or drizzle overnight into Wednesday morning, especially around Big Sur and the Pfeiffer Camp but amounts would be a few hundredths at most.
ROAD CLOSURES: A hard road closure is in effect on State Route 1: For updates, visit:
REVISED FOREST CLOSURE ORDER: The Los Padres National Forest has issued an Area Closure for Forest Service managed lands surrounding the Timber and Plaskett Fires. Full text of the Closure Order, and Closure Order Map.
They lit off the backburn about 4 hrs ago (about 10 am). I went up to Prewitt and spoke with a few dozer operators. The had high confidence the containment line from SCRRoad, Prewitt and from Prewitt to HWY1 would hold. Looking East towards FHL and S towards Plaskett looked well under control. The temp was mid 60’s with fog coming up the slopes of Prewitt.
1-Firefighting crew trucks at Prewitt Camp.
2-SCRRoad from Alms looking over the Knoch area towards Chaulk Peak and FHL.
Timber, CA Wildfire Overview - 31 August 2026
c. 0900 UTC
Weather Conditions -
The vicinity of the fire was cloud free.
Details -
The interpreters were able to designate the fire perimeter and isolated fires with no difficulty.
Small areas of creeping growth were noted along the northwest and southeast corners of the perimeter.
Small areas of intense fire were detected along the northwest and southeast corners on the edges of the fire.
Large areasof scattered fire were detected throughout of the fire.
Isolated fires were generally within fairly close proximity to the main perimeters.
The fire within the perimeter was fairly widely scattered.
Acreage -
Starting Perimeter Source - Incident/NIFC
Starting Perimeter Date/Time - 08 AUg 2026 0113 UTC
Estimated Acreage: 24,970
Acreage Change (if any): +243
Plaskett, CA Wildfire Overview - 31 August 2026 c. 0900 UTC Weather Conditions - Heavy cloud cover was present across the southwestern 20% of the fire.
Details - Heavy clouds were present over the southwestern 20% of the fire. The perimeter in that area is indicated as estimated. Weather conditions had a severe effect upon analysis. No data was received for the eastern and southeastern edges of the fire. The perimeter in that area is indicated as estimated. Very large areas of growth with intense fire were detected along the northern, eastern, and southern portions of the perimeter. Very large areas of intense fire were detected within the southeastern portion of the perimeter. Very large areas of scattered fire were detected within the central and northeastern portions of the perimeter.
Acreage - Starting Perimeter Source - Incident/NIFC Starting Perimeter Date/Time - 31 August 2026 0200 UTC
Monday (8/31/26) Morning Update: The Timber Fire remains most active on the back side of the Cabezo Prieto Ridge near the Big Sur Valley. Heat detections suggest it may have crossed the South Fork of the Little Sur River in this area. If so, it is now poised to climb Launtz Ridge. From the top of Launtz Ridge it would overlook the North Fork of the Little Sur and the Pico Blanco Boy Scout Camp area.
Three new heat detections have appeared in the “Round Rock Creek” drainage (in the upper Carmel River watershed near the Ventana Double Cone) and fire could be seen actively burning in this area overnight.
The fire also appears to have become more active along the North Fork of the Big Sur River. This fire has reached the lower slopes of Black Cone and could run up it at any time. From the top of Black Cone, the fire would overlook Tassajara Creek and the Zen monastery (although it would have a lot of descending to do to get there).
The Plaskett Fire, meanwhile, has run north out of the Prewitt Creek drainage and into the Wild Cattle and Mill Creek watersheds and south into the Villa Creek watershed.
East of the Coast Ridge, it has run across Ft. Hunter Liggett nearly all the way to the Nacimiento River and south to a position just behind the Salmon Creek drainage.
Keith Vandevere, I have to say, I so appreciate your extensive knowledge of the Big Sur landscape. You provide more useful information than just about anybody! Thank you for sharing that with all of us.
Location: Southeast of Loma Vista, Monterey County
Size: 24,970 acres
Start date: August 8, 2026
Percent contained: 21%
Personnel Assigned:2,334 Firefighters
Cause: Under investigation
Plaskett Fire:
Location: East of Plaskett, Monterey County
Size: 15,478 acres
Start date: August 26, 2026
Percent contained: 1%
Personnel Assigned: 897 Firefighters
Cause: Under investigation
Timber Fire: 24,970 Acres, 21% contained and 2,334 firefighters assigned.
The Timber Fire remains active with moderate growth. Night shift crews worked to reinforce control lines and keep the fire in current containment lines.
Today’s priorities will be to contain the slop-over at Juan Miguel Creek north of Manuel Peak and connecting pieces of completed dozer and handline north toward Skinner Ridge and East toward Chews Ridge. Mop up and active patrolling continues along Highway 1 and communities along Big Sur.
Plaskett Fire: 15,478 Acres, 1% Contained and 897 firefighters assigned.
Crews worked aggressively throughout the night as the Plaskett Fire nearly doubled in size in the past 24 hours because of steady winds and thick vegetation with no fire history in the past 50 years.
The fire grew on all fronts, pushing north toward Prewitt Creek where firefighters worked stay ahead of the advancing front and conduct tactical firing operations from near San Miguel Creek along Prewitt Loop. Dozer line is in place to the north.
The fire pushed east onto Fort Hunter Liggett, near Anthony Creek and is more than a mile past South Coast Road.
Along the southern edge, crews conducted firing operations and implemented structure protection measures along Los Burro Road as the fire moved into Alder Creek.
The western edge of the fire backed downhill toward Highway 1 in the Pacific Valley/Sand Dollar Beach area.
Today’s efforts will continue to focus on structure protection and firing operations as conditions allow while seeking opportunity to go as direct as possible along the fire’s edge.
WEATHER:
Timber Fire location, winds will continue coming from the west, keeping humidity higher, especially below 2000 feet near Big Sur Village. Areas above 2000 feet will finally see some improvement, with humidity rising compared to recent days. Overall winds will stay onshore, with gusts up to 15 mph on the ridgetops, while lower‑slope winds will stay light at under 8 mph. Inland skies will be sunny, and coastal clouds will linger along the immediate shoreline this morning.
The Plaskett Fire region will stay covered by smoke, which will keep temperatures a bit cooler and slightly increase humidity. Light southwest winds are expected, and slope winds along Los Burros Road will work against the fire line.
ROAD CLOSURES AND: A hard road closure is in effect on State Route 1: For updates, visit:
REVISED FOREST CLOSURE ORDER: The Los Padres National Forest has issued an Area Closure for Forest Service managed lands surrounding the Timber and Plaskett Fires. Full text of the Closure Order, and Closure Order Map.
For current highway and evacuation information, visit Ready Monterey County:
Crews had another strong work day on the Timber Fire. Crews worked on a spot fire near Post Summit along the northwest corner of the fire and were able to secure it with handline.
Firefighters and heavy equipment continued improving existing containment lines from Botchers Gap and Kincannon Road to Los Padres Dam and along the Coast Ridge Road while Hotshot crews remain engaged in remote portions of the Ventana Wilderness where access is limited.
Firing operations that have been completed around Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park held through the day, with crews continuing mop-up along Highway 1. Falling rocks from steep terrain above the road continue to present a significant hazard.
Portions of Big Sur remain under evacuation orders, warnings, and shelter-in-place orders.
Hotshots working above the water treatment plant were able to put check lines in where dozers can’t operate to further ensure containment on the northernmost corner of the fire along Highway 1. Handcrews continue to connect the dots in places where containment lines have been opened and improved by dozers and where the terrain is too steep
WEATHER: For the Timber fire, winds will continue to be from the west which will keep humidity values elevated, especially for elevations below 2000 feet near Big Sur Village. Interior areas above 2000 feet will finally see some RH relief with values creeping higher than previous days. While general winds will remain onshore with ridgetop gusts to 15 mph, the winds on the lower slopes will remain terrain driven and light under 8 mph. Skies will remain sunny inland with coastal clouds this morning along the immediate coast.
ROAD CLOSURES AND: A hard road closure is in effect on State Route 1: For updates, visit:
REVISED FOREST CLOSURE ORDER: The Los Padres National Forest has issued an Area Closure for Forest Service managed lands surrounding the Timber and Plaskett Fires. Full text of the Closure Order, and Closure Order Map.
For current highway and evacuation information, visit Ready Monterey County:
Firefighters and heavy equipment continued improving existing Timber Fire containment lines from Bottchers Gap and Kincannon Road to Los Padres Dam and along Coast Ridge Road. Hotshot crews remain engaged in remote portions of the Ventana Wilderness where access is limited. Firing operations completed around Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park held through the day, with crews continuing mop-up along Highway 1. Falling rocks from steep terrain above Highway 1 continue to present a significant hazards.
In doubled in size from yesterday to today. This is from BEU and USFS on Facebook this evening:
#PlaskettFire Update
The Plaskett Fire has been recently mapped at 15,478 acres and remains 1% contained.
The fire remains active, with fire backing down toward Highway 1. Firefighters continue to prioritize structure protection as a large surge of additional resources arrives on-scene.
The fire has gained the most acreage on the eastern side, burning toward Fort Hunter Liggett, and to the south, where crews are actively engaged in structure defense along Los Burros Road. Night-flying helicopters are supporting continued structure protection overnight.
Crews not assigned to structure protection are opening containment line along Prewitt Ridge and South Coast Ridge Road. With no fire history in some areas for more than 50 years, heavy vegetation is contributing to active fire behavior.
Cooler temperatures and higher humidity are expected over the next several days. Firefighters will take advantage of favorable conditions to look for every opportunity to use direct containment tactics.
Location: Southeast of Loma Vista, Monterey County
Size: 24,839 acres
Start date: August 28, 2026
Percent contained: 21%
Personnel Assigned:2,192 Firefighters
Cause: Under investigation
Plaskett Fire:
Location: East of Plaskett, Monterey County
Size: 8,241 acres
Start date: August 26, 2026
Percent contained: 1%
Personnel Assigned: 661 Firefighters
Cause: Under investigation
Timber Fire:
The Timber Fire showed some activity on its southeast corner near Partington Ridge as winds picked up overnight. However, night crews along the highway were able to quickly extinguish and mop up hot spots, and overall the highway edge and the road into Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park looked good and cold.
Assignments today will continue as they have for the last few days, with heavy equipment opening roads and containment lines from previous fires and hotshot crews accessing and opening areas that the dozers are unable to reach. Hotshots are being supported in remote areas by helicopter, including by line medics, who have been flown out to ensure that any injuries on the line receive quick care.
Plaskett fire:
The Plaskett Fire was active all night, and firefighters remained in engaged in structure defense along the Los Burros road overnight, supported by night flying aircraft. Rocks rolling onto Highway 1 remains a concern.
Fire crews near Sand Dollar and Plaskett creek executed tactical firing operations overnight as the fire backed toward structures and residences. Firefighters maintained the perimeter near Plaskett Creek, while northern teams opened existing road systems and installed hose lines. On the eastern front, the fire reached the length of the primary dozer line, crossing South Coast Road and resulting in several slop-overs into Fort Hunter Liggett. Ground teams, supported by multiple fuel cycles from night flying helicopters, engaged these slop-overs and conducted defensive firing near Los Burros Road to protect threatened homes and structures. Additionally, crews identified a new 100-foot by 100-foot spot fire across Buckeye Road in the Willow Creek drainage.
Priorities for fire operations during the day are the protection of residential areas along the Los Burros ridge and toward Alder Creek. Crews will work to contain the small spot fire while scouting terrain further east of the ridge roads to establish new secondary fuel breaks. Operations will also continue to monitor fire spread backing toward Highway 1 to improve protection for coastal structures.
Today, a large resource surge will continue, with firefighters reporting to logistical bases established to support both fires at Haystack, Big Sur, and at Plaskett. A Mobile Retardant Base is being established on the east side of the fire to assist with aerial support on the fire’s east side.
WEATHER: No major day over day changes forecast with mostly sunny skies. Smoke shading will be more prevalent on the Plaskett fire. Temperatures running near or a few degrees below normal, mainly in the mid 70s to mid 80s. Humidity readings will trend more seasonable with afternoon minimums 18-28%. General winds from the Northwest 5-10 mph with afternoon ridgetop gusts to 15 mph. Most of the winds over the fire will be diurnally driven and light under 8 mph. The marine layer depth should be around 2000 feet and confined to the immediate coastline after mixing out by 1000 hours.
ROAD CLOSURES AND EVACUATIONS: A hard road closure is in effect on State Route 1: For updates, visit:
REVISED FOREST CLOSURE ORDER: The Los Padres National Forest has issued an Area Closure for Forest Service managed lands surrounding the Timber and Plaskett Fires. Full text of the Closure Order, and Closure Order Map.
For current highway and evacuation information, visit Ready Monterey County:
