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:
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.