Plaskett Fire, Day 9, 9/3 Morning Update

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.