2026 Plaskett Fire

Incident Update

Los Padres National Forest

Sunday, September 6, 2026

Fire Information:805-257-9891

Email:2026.Plaskett@firenet.gov

Forest Closure Information: Monterey Ranger District Emergency Closure Order

Linktree: Plaskett Fire Linktree 

Total Acres: 29,831 |31% contained | Total Personnel: 2,287

Resources: 61 Crews | 110 Type 3 Engines | 35 Type 6 Engines | 30 Dozers | 12 Helicopters

9 Masticators | 13 Tactical Water Tenders

For more information on the Plaskett Fire, visit: Plaskett Fire Inciweb or Los Padres National Forest Facebook 

Current Situation: Yesterday, crews continued to take advantage of favorable weather conditions to build and strengthen control lines, conduct strategic firing operations, and secure the fire perimeter. The Plaskett Fire is now31% contained. Crews were able to strengthen both indirect and direct control lines, supported by rotary and fixed-wing aircraft delivering retardant drops. Helicopters assisted firefighters on the ground by cooling and extinguishing hotspots. A helitorch was used to burn out a section of steep terrain, reinforcing and securing the fire line. Firefighters and aircraft are addressing unburned areas within the perimeter that could become active and threaten containment as warmer and drier conditions develop later this week. Steep terrain, heavy fuels, and limited access continue to challenge suppression efforts, and firefighters remain focused on protecting communities, critical infrastructure, and natural and cultural resources along the Big Sur coastline. 

Today, firefighters will continue securing the fire perimeter across the incident. On the north, firing operations to remove fuel from unburned areas within the perimeter will resume after overnight monitoring and patrol. On the east, crews will continue constructing handline, while engines and aircraft strengthen control features. To the southeast, firefighters will conduct direct suppression and reinforce secondary and tertiary line. Crews on the western edge will continue patrolling for hotspots while hand crews on the northwest side will reinforce line and improve containment. Crews are working with Caltrans along Highway 1 to identify and reduce rockfall, debris, and other fire-related hazards to improve emergency access and roadway safety. The incident remains under a full suppression strategy, with firefighter and public safety the highest priority.

Weather & Air Quality: 

After scattered morning clouds and patches of smoke in the morning, skies will turn sunny with temperatures slightly below normal today. A weak thermal through will move toward the coast tomorrow and Tuesday, resulting in light easterly winds. This will lead to a brief period of temperatures above normal with humidity around 20% in some areas. Low pressure aloft off the California coast may increase cloud cover and humidity for the middle of the week, although uncertainty remains very high. 

Evacuations UPDATED:

Monterey County – Evacuation Orders (Leave Now):
Zones: MRY‑F034, MRY‑F035, MRY‑F036, MRY‑F037, MRY‑F038, MRY‑G016, FHL-G014, FHL- G017, FHL-G018, FHL- G019, FHL- G023, FHL- G026, FHL- G028, FHL- G012-B

Monterey County – Evacuation Warnings (Prepare to Go):
Zones: MRY‑F033, MRY‑G011‑A, MRY‑G012‑A, MRY‑G012‑B, MRY‑G015, MRY- F039, FHL-G004, FHL-G005, FHL-G008, FHL-G009, FHL-G012-A, FHL-G015, FHL-G016, FHL-G016-B, FHL-G020, FHL-G021, FHL-G022, FHL-G024, FHL-G025, FHL-G027, FHL-G029

San Luis Obispo County – Evacuation Warnings (Prepare to Go):

Zones: SLC 001, SLC 002, SLC 003

Road Closures:

Highway 1 remains closed north of the San Luis Obispo County line and south of the Kirk Creek Campground, with no estimated time for reopening.  

Evacuation Shelters:

Cambria: Cambria Veterans Memorial Building, 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428

*Everyone in areas of active fires should “Know Your Zone.” Go to Genasys Protect to identify the zone you reside in.

Operational Update Video for September 6th from Los Padres National Forest on Facebook.

Daily Update:

25,357 acres

27% contained

1,227 firefighters assigned

The fire remains in a holding pattern with minimal growth overnight as a result of weeks of aggressive firefighting, and the cool and humid weather patterns of the past few days. Today will begin a warming and drying trend as temperatures rise and humidity lowers, with fire activity and smoke production expected to increase. The cooler weather gave crews a window of opportunity to attack the fire directly with handcrews, aircraft, and heavy machinery, and firefighters will continue to build off of the work that has been done to increase containment and work to extinguish remaining pockets of heat.

On the northwest corner of the fire, firefighters continue to engage any heat directly and focus on mopping up the slopover north of Manuel Peak, where the fire had jumped the original containment line. Aircraft remain engaged in working to keep the fire in its footprint.

On the east side of the fire, from the Ventana Double Cone area to the Black Cone area, aircraft are being utilized to extinguish remaining fire and heat found. This area of the fire is seeing minimal heat because of the sparsely vegetated rocky terrain.

On the southwest side of the fire in the Pick Creek area, rappel crews will be inserted to establish a helispot in order to allow firefighters direct access in the steep rugged terrain where heat is still being identified.

Today will be slightly warmer and drier as the beginning of a more prolonged and significant warming and drying trend develops across the Central Coast. Skies should turn mostly sunny with highs in the 80s around Arroyo Seco, 70s in Big Sur and upper 60s for elevations above 3000 feet. Relative humidity values will lower to around 30-40% this afternoon, which is as low as they have been since the start of the month. Tonight will see light winds out of the Northeast. This will keep RH values moderate overnight into Monday morning with recovery only 40-50% forecast.

Road closures on Highway 1 in the Big Sur area have been reduced. To support Plaskett Fire emergency response efforts, Highway 1 remains closed between Kirk Creek Campground at Mile 19 and Monterey/San Luis Obispo County line at Post Mile 0.0, per Los Padres National Forest on Facebook. (The original post had the closure incorrect. It was changed to what I post here back when the highway to the north was opened.)

2026 Plaskett Fire

Incident Update

Los Padres National Forest

Saturday, September 5, 2026

Fire Information:805-257-9891

Email:2026.Plaskett@firenet.gov

Forest Closure Information: Monterey Ranger District Emergency Closure Order   

Linktree: Plaskett Fire Linktree

Total Acres: 29,768 | 23% contained | Total Personnel: 2,134

Resources: 56 Crews | 111 Type 3 Engines | 33 Type 6 Engines | 30 Dozers | 13 Helicopters

9 Masticators | 13 Tactical Water Tenders

For more information on the Plaskett Fire, visit: Plaskett Fire Inciweb

Current Situation: Yesterday, firefighters leveraged favorable weather conditions and moderate fire behavior to make continued progress, increasing containment to 23%. Crews constructed and strengthened control lines, secured areas where firing operations occurred, and used direct attack where terrain and conditions allowed. Strategic firing operations were used to strengthen control lines and create defensible space around threatened structures and critical values. Several Type 1 helicopters supported crews on the ground by using a Mobile Retardant Base to slow the fire’s progression, which allowed firefighters to engage the fire directly. Helicopters also conducted targeted water drops on hotspots to help extinguish active fire and reinforce ground efforts. Type 3 helicopters conducted reconnaissance flights to gather intelligence and support strategic decision-making. Overnight, an unmanned aerial system (UAS) supported firefighters with aerial ignition operations on the southern side of the fire, helping to strengthen control lines and improve operational effectiveness.

Today, crews will build on yesterday’s progress along the southwest flank by tying handline into existing containment features and beginning mop-up in the area. On the northern edge, firefighters will conduct firing operations to address an island of unburnt fuel. To the northeast, control lines are still holding fire that had spread beyond the previously established line earlier in the week. Along the eastern side, crews will continue preparing strategic contingency lines with masticators while fire managers evaluate options to construct dozer lines and conduct direct attack with retardant on the southeast flank. Steep terrain, limited access, and heavy fuels remain challenging, and firefighters are working to strengthen and secure containment features ahead of an expected warming and drying trend next week. The incident continues to receive additional resources and is now supported by two forward operating bases located near active fire operations.

Timber Fire Information: For Information on the Timber Fire, please visit:

Timber Fire Inciweb

Los Padres National Forest Facebook Page

Weather & Air Quality:

Scattered morning clouds, mainly near the coast, will clear by midday leaving sunny skies across the region. Downvalley winds at 3-5 mph will turn upslope in the afternoon, with gusts reaching 7-10 mph. On the ridges, wind will come from the south at 7-10 mph, with gusts up to 15-18 mph.  Temperatures will gradually increase over the weekend but remain below normal into Monday before returning to near normal next week. Increasing moisture late next week will contribute to increased cloud cover and elevated humidity.

Evacuations UPDATED:

Monterey County – Evacuation Orders (Leave Now):
Zones: MRY‑F034, MRY‑F035, MRY‑F036, MRY‑F037, MRY‑F038, MRY‑G016, FHL-G014, FHL- G017, FHL-G018, FHL- G019, FHL- G023, FHL- G026, FHL- G028, FHL- G012-B

Monterey County – Evacuation Warnings (Prepare to Go):
Zones: MRY‑F033, MRY‑G011‑A, MRY‑G012‑A, MRY‑G012‑B, MRY‑G015, MRY- F039, FHL-G004, FHL-G005, FHL-G008, FHL-G009, FHL-G012-A, FHL-G015, FHL-G016, FHL-G016-B, FHL-G020, FHL-G021, FHL-G022, FHL-G024, FHL-G025, FHL-G027, FHL-G029

Road Closures

Highway 1 remains closed north of the San Luis Obispo County line and south of Little Sur River, with no estimated time for reopening. The northern closure of Highway 1 supporting Timber Fire operations has been lifted from Post Mile 56 (south of Little Sur River) to Post Mile 45 (just south of the Big Sur Post Office).

Evacuation Shelters

Cambria: Cambria Veterans Memorial Building, 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428

*Everyone in areas of active fires should “Know Your Zone.” Go to Genasys Protect to identify the zone you reside in.

The Timber fire experienced minimal growth because of proactive firefighting and favorable weather conditions. Cool and humid weather will continue into this evening, and a warming and drying trend is expected to contribute to increased fire activity in the coming days. Firefighters are getting ahead of that potential for increased fire behavior by utilizing air resources along the perimeter and crews on the ground where access allows.​

Crews continue to focus on containment line in the northwest corner. North of Manuel Peak firefighters on the ground are hiking in and engaging the fire directly to secure lingering heat. Aircraft resources continue to continue to attack the slopover in that area while firefighters work to find a safe way to access the fire’s edge.​

Aircraft has been effective in the rocky terrain on the east, with minimal heat being identified by daily infrared flights.​

On the eastern perimeter of the fire in the Arroyo Seco area, hand crews connected completed dozer line, finalizing a continuous containment line around the fire’s perimeter. Today, crews are working to prepare and strengthen these lines.​

To the south, firefighters continue work to build containment near Pick Creek​

WEATHER: Mostly sunny conditions will develop after lingering morning clouds, with highs ranging from the mid‑60s to low‑70s and reaching the lower 80s near Arroyo Seco and Indians Road. Humidity will drop to 30-40% this afternoon, locally as low as 30% in the east, with overnight humidity recoveries reaching 70% in most areas of the fire. A quiet fire weather pattern stays in place through the evening, with a warming and drying trend expected past tonight. ​

ROAD CLOSURES: Road closures on Highway 1 in the Big Sur area have been reduced. Travelers are encouraged to drive cautiously as traffic increases during Labor Day weekend. To support Plaskett Fire emergency response efforts, Highway 1 remains closed between Pacific Valley at Post Mile 16 and Monterey/San Luis Obispo County line at Post Mile 0.0.  Please avoid that area and use US 101 as an alternate route.     https://roads.dot.ca.gov/?roadnumber=1 or https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/

EVACUATIONS: Monterey County still has evacuation warnings and orders.  View theInteractive Evacuation Page For current information and to sign up for alerts visit Monterey County’s Department of Emergency Management website.  

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 theClosure Order, and Closure Order Map. 

Timber Fire Information

2026.Timber@firenet.gov

(831) 285-7006

Website: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/calpf-timber-fire

lospadresnationalforest

MontereyCountySheriffsOffice

MontereyCoInfo  

linktr.ee/CAL_FIRE_BEU

Plaskett Fire: To support Plaskett Fire emergency response efforts, Highway 1 remains closed to through traffic between the northern closure point at MPM 19.0 (Kirk Creek Campground) and the southern closure point at MPM 0.0 (the Monterey/San Luis Obispo County line).

Please avoid that area and use US 101 as an alternate route.
https://roads.dot.ca.gov/?roadnumber=1 or https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/

2026 Plaskett Fire

Incident Update

Los Padres National Forest

Friday, September 4, 2026

Fire Information:805-257-9891

Email:2026.Plaskett@firenet.gov

Forest Closure Information: Monterey Ranger District Emergency Closure Order   

Linktree: Plaskett Fire Linktree

Total Acres: 29,702 – 19% contained Total Personnel: 2,058

Resources: 55 Crews – 108 Type 3 Engines – 33 Type 6 Engines – 29 Dozers – 9 Helicopters

9 Masticators – 13 Tactical Water Tenders

For more information on the Plaskett Fire, visit: Plaskett Fire Inciweb

Current Situation: Warmer temperatures and a reduced marine layer led to more active fire behavior on the Plaskett Fire yesterday. As conditions improved later in the day, crews were able to make steady progress using direct line construction where it was safe to do so, along with strategic firing operations to reinforce control features. Containment has increased from 1% to 19%, reflecting the ongoing effectiveness of the suppression strategy, supported by a growing workforce now totaling 2,058 personnelcommitted to protecting communities, transportation routes, utilities, and important cultural and natural resources.

The fire has also moved onto Department of Defense land, where it is threatening sensitive military infrastructure. Protecting these facilities remains an important priority, and the incident team continues to coordinate closely with military representatives and cooperating agencies to ensure an informed and unified response as conditions evolve.

Helicopters continued to provide critical support to firefighters on the ground, using water drops to support handline construction and cool remaining hotspots near established fire lines. Both Type 1 and Type 2 helicopters supported water-dropping operations, while the Helicopter Coordinator (HLCO) managed and coordinated aerial resources over the incident.

Timber Fire Information: For Information on the Timber Fire, please visit:

Timber FIre Inciweb

Los Padres National Forest Facebook Page

Weather & Air Quality:

Smoke, fog, and low coastal clouds cleared by midday, bringing mostly sunny skies, light terrain‑driven winds, and afternoon humidity between 30-60% with temperatures in the mid‑60s to mid‑70s. A weak cold front tonight will enhance the marine push, spreading moist air inland and providing excellent overnight humidity recovery. The marine layer will gradually mix out Friday, with slightly cooler temperatures and higher humidity, before a warming and drying trend begins Saturday and continues into early next week with light, terrain‑driven winds and no significant wind events expected.

Evacuations UPDATED:

Monterey County – Evacuation Orders (Leave Now):
Zones: MRY‑F034, MRY‑F035, MRY‑F036, MRY‑F037, MRY‑F038, MRY‑G016, FHL-G014, FHL- G017, FHL- G019, FHL- G023, FHL- G026, FHL- G028, FHL- G012-B

Monterey County – Evacuation Warnings (Prepare to Go):
Zones: MRY‑F033, MRY‑G011‑A, MRY‑G012‑A, MRY‑G012‑B, MRY‑G015, MRY- F038, FHL-G004, FHL-G009, FHL-G012-A, FHL-G015, FHL-G016, FHL-G016-B, FHL-G020, FHL-G021, FHL-G022, FHL-G024, FHL-G025, FHL-G027, FHL-G029

San Luis Obispo County – Evacuation Warnings:
Zones: SLC‑001, SLC‑002, SLC‑003

Road Closures

Highway 1 Closure Update for Big Sur: The northern closure of Highway 1 supporting Timber Fire operations has been lifted from Post Mile 56 (south of Little Sur River) to Post Mile 45 (just south of the Big Sur Post Office).

Evacuation Shelters

Carmel: Carmel Mission Inn Conference Room, 3665 Rio Road, Carmel, CA 93923

Cambria: Cambria Veterans Memorial Building, 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428

*Everyone in areas of active fires should “Know Your Zone.” Go to Genasys Protect to identify the zone you reside in.

29,120 acres and 1% contained

The Plaskett Fire remains far more volatile than the Timber Fire, with continued growth reported across portions of the incident. Steep, rugged terrain, heavy vegetation, and limited access are all complicating suppression efforts. Crews are focused on strengthening existing control features and limiting further spread, with structure defense and protection of critical infrastructure remaining top priorities.

Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in effect across Monterey County, and Evacuation Warnings continue in portions of San Luis Obispo County.

Update via CAL FIRE.

2026 Plaskett Fire

Incident Update

Los Padres National Forest

Thursday, September 3, 2026

Fire Information:805-257-9891

Email:2026.Plaskett@firenet.gov

Forest Closure Information: Monterey Ranger District Emergency Closure Order   

Linktree: Plaskett Fire Linktree

Total Acres: 29,123 – 1% contained Total Personnel: 1,668

Resources: 50 Crews – 59 Type 3 Engines – 11 Type 6 Engines – 26 Dozers – 12 Helicopters

9 Masticators – 12 Tactical Water Tenders – 3 Excavator

For more information on the Plaskett Fire, visit: Plaskett Fire Inciweb

Current Situation:

The fire showed encouraging progress today, with growth limited to just 155 acres, highlighting the effectiveness of current suppression efforts. Suppression efforts on the Plaskett Fire remain challenging due to steep terrain, heavy fuel loading, and limited access in the remote portions of the incident. In several areas, the fire has moved beyond established control features, including sections burning within the Dolan Fire scar where dense dead and down fuels continue to hinder direct attack operations. Fire personnel are prioritizing protection of critical values at risk, including firefighter and public safety, nearby communities, vital infrastructure, cultural and natural resources, and key watershed areas. These priorities will continue to shift as fire behavior, weather conditions, and resource availability evolve.

The incident is being managed under a full suppression strategy focused on tactics that minimize responder exposure while maximizing the probability of success. Crews are implementing a mix of direct, indirect, and strategic firing operations to secure primary control features and protect values at risk.

Planned actions for the next operational period include conducting strategic firing operations to keep pace with the main fire and strengthen control features. Crews will apply aggressive direct attack where terrain and fire behavior allow, while continuing to build and secure both direct and indirect control lines. Fixed‑wing and rotary‑wing aircraft will be utilized when available to support ground operations. Burnout and backfiring efforts will continue as necessary to secure lines, limit fire spread, and reinforce both primary and contingency control features.

Timber Fire Information: For Information on the Timber Fire, please visit:

Timber FIre Inciweb

Los Padres National Forest Facebook Page

Weather & Air Quality:

A deeper morning marine layer developed, though it was weaker than previous days. Afternoon mixing lowered humidity to 30–60%, with temperatures ranging from the mid‑60s to mid‑70s. A marine push increased coastal humidity in the afternoon, and this moisture will spread inland overnight, bringing excellent humidity recovery across all elevations. On Thursday, the marine layer will persist, keeping temperatures slightly below normal and humidity slightly above normal. Winds will remain terrain‑driven at lower elevations and light west to northwest along ridgetops. A weak cold front will move through late Thursday, further strengthening the marine layer Thursday nightand Friday. A warming and drying trend is expected to begin Saturday, returning conditions to near‑normal into early next week.

Evacuations:

Monterey County – Evacuation Orders (Leave Now):
Zones: MRY‑F034, MRY‑F035, MRY‑F036, MRY‑F037, MRY‑F308, MRY‑G012‑A, MRY‑G016

Monterey County – Evacuation Warnings (Prepare to Go):
Zones: MRY‑F033, MRY‑G011‑A, MRY‑G012‑B, MRY‑G015

San Luis Obispo County – Evacuation Warnings:
Zones: SLC‑001, SLC‑002, SLC‑003

Road Closures

Highway 1 Closure Update for Big Sur: As of 6 am today the northern closure of Highway 1 supporting Timber Fire operations will be lifted from Post Mile 56 (south of Little Sur River) to Post Mile 45 (just south of the Big Sur Post Office).

Evacuation Shelters

Carmel: Carmel Mission Inn Conference Room, 3665 Rio Road, Carmel, CA 93923

Cambria: Cambria Veterans Memorial Building, 1000 Main Street, Cambria, CA 93428

*Everyone in areas of active fires should “Know Your Zone.” Go to Genasys Protect to identify the zone you reside in.

Good evening 🙂

With the good news of the road opening tomorrow – most of the day will be making multiple trips to clear out the Monterey Post Office and re-organize the Big Sur Post Office. 

We’ll deliver all that we can tomorrow but we won’t have a normal day of retail services and full delivery until Friday. 

*Full Delivery as in as far south as law enforcement will allow the mailman to go on any given day. It sounds like currently we can get as far south as somewhere in Pacific Valley.