Plaskett Fire, Day 4, 8/29 Evening Update

Acres burned 8241 and containment 0% 1%

From CAL FIRE BEU

The Plaskett Fire [sic] experienced significant growth during the last operational period and remained active overnight and throughout the day. Fire behavior included flanking, uphill runs, and isolated tree torching, with continued growth occurring around multiple portions of the incident.

The fire remains positioned for upslope movement in multiple directions through complex terrain. Steep slopes, heavy fuels, and difficult access continue to create significant challenges for suppression resources.

On the eastern and southern flanks, continued upslope movement is expected through the evening and overnight operational period. Fire activity is expected to continue impacting Los Burros Road and South Coast Road.

The Highway 1 corridor continues to be impacted by the fire. Structures and critical infrastructure along the corridor remain threatened, and crews have initiated firing operations around primary residences and critical infrastructure to improve defensible space.

On Willow Creek and Plaskett Ridge, the fire spread remains a concern down the Willow Creek drainage, with potential for the fire to move up and over Plaskett Ridge and back toward values at risk along Highway 1.

Along the northeast flank, fire progression up the North Fork of Willow Creek could threaten Prewitt Loop. Terrain alignment may support additional fire movement through the larger bowl and canyon systems near Los Burros Road and McKern Forest Road.

There is a full suppression strategy on this fire. Crews will continue direct and aggressive attack where conditions permit, while establishing and strengthening control lines in areas where terrain and fire behavior allow. Strategic firing, backfire, and burnout operations will continue as necessary to keep pace with the main fire, strengthen control features, and increase defensible space around threatened structures.

Fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft will continue supporting ground resources where appropriate, assisting with direct suppression and the establishment of contingency lines. Steep terrain and the remote location continue to limit access and suppression opportunities. Heavy fuel loading has allowed the fire to cross control features, while portions burning within the Dolan Fire scar contain significant dead and down material that is hampering suppression efforts.

Tonight winds are expected to shift back to the northeast, with gusts potentially reaching approximately 13 mph on the fire as a weak, dry front passes through the area. Cooler temperatures are expected to remain in place, with the marine layer forecast to deepen to approximately 2,000–2,500 feet. Relative humidity is expected to remain generally in the 20–30% range.

Suppression resources continue working toward keeping the fire west of South Coast Ridge Road, north of Los Burros Road, east of Highway 1, and south of Nacimiento-Fergusson Road.

Firefighter and public safety, structure defense along the Highway 1 corridor, holding and improving established control features, and limiting additional fire spread remain the primary operational priorities into tonight.

There are two shelters set up for the Timber and Plaskett Fires:

• Carmel Mission Inn Conference Room, 3665 Rio Rd, Carmel, CA 93923
• Cambria Veterans Memorial Building, 1000 Main St, Cambria

MCSO: Earlier this morning, smoke conditions remained present in the area of HWY 1 near Gorda for the Plaskett Fire

From USFS:

https://www.facebook.com/CALFIREBEU

The fire has backed down to Highway 1, with firefighters continuing to prioritize structure protection as active fire behavior persists. A large surge of resources continues to arrive 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 in place to support structure protection overnight.

Crews not assigned to structure protection are opening and strengthening containment lines along Prewitt Ridge and South Coast Ridge Road. Heavy vegetation, combined with more than 50 years without fire in the area, continues to contribute to active fire behavior.

Cooler temperatures and higher humidity are expected over the next several days. Firefighters will take advantage of improving conditions to pursue opportunities for direct containment.

The marine layer is expected to deepen through the weekend, bringing increased humidity and overnight fog along the coast and adjacent valleys.

GOES West:

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