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:
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.