Firefighting operations are intensifying as additional personnel and equipment integrate into the incident, expanding overall operational capacity. The fire remains active near Highway 1 in the Jade Cove area, with crews working aggressively to protect structures, critical infrastructure, and stop further spread.
On the eastern flank near South Coast Road, firefighters are securing control lines and prioritizing patrol of a two-acre slopover.
South of Willow Creek, crews are assessing options to strengthen existing barrier features to check fire progression. Warmer, drier daytime conditions and afternoon winds are elevating fire behavior in exposed fuels, prompting crews to closely monitor high-risk areas. Firefighters are also preparing for an overnight shift in wind direction toward the northeast, adjusting tactics as terrain, dry fuels, and shifting weather demand.
Protecting homes and infrastructure remains a top priority, particularly along the western section of Plaskett Ridge Road toward Highway 1. Resources are actively clearing defensible space, prepping structures, and pre-positioning fire engines to respond to changing fire lines. Extensive structure protection continues along Los Burros Road. On the southern front, firefighters are extending hose lays, strengthening primary lines, and conducting tactical firing operations to burn out fuels between the main fire and nearby homes. Crews are utilizing natural ridgelines, roads, hand lines, and bulldozer paths, while evaluating options for a secondary contingency line east of South Coast Road. Ground teams are actively cooling hotspots along established boundaries to prevent spot fires or further slopovers.
Helicopters and air tankers continue targeted water drops to slow fire advancement, reduce flame intensity around structures, and support ground crews navigating steep and rugged terrain. Highway 1 remains fully closed from Mile Marker 10.1 near Gorda to Mile Marker 56 near Big Sur due to active fire operations, falling rock, and fire-weakened trees.
The U.S. Forest Service, Monterey County emergency agencies, and CAL FIRE are closely coordinating all suppression and emergency response efforts. Residents and visitors must remain vigilant, obey all evacuation orders and warnings, avoid travel in operational zones, and monitor official agency channels for real-time safety updates.
- Evacuation Orders have been issued for Zone: MRY-G012-A.
- Evacuation Warnings have been issued for Zone: MRY-G011-A & MRY-G012-B.
Per the Genasys Evacuation Map
The southern Highway 1 closure has been moved to mile marker 2.1, just south of Salmon Creek. This closure location is aligned with the southern border of Evacuation Zone MRY-F037, which is now in Evacuation Order. The northern closure remains the same at south of Little Sur River at mile marker 56.
Per CAL FIRE
