2026 Plaskett Fire Incident Update

Los Padres National Forest

Thursday, September 11, 2026

Current Situation:

The Plaskett Fire increased containment to 79%. Firing operations from earlier this week have produced the intended results, improving the security of the fire line. Containment continues to be strengthened by firefighters mopping up inside the fire perimeter. An unmanned aircraft system has moderated the active fire near Pruitt Creek. Overnight, crews monitored and addressed heat still present in the fire.

As containment increases, firefighters are turning their focus to active suppression repair. Resource advisors are working with crews to protect natural and cultural resources while repair work is completed. Some smoke and flames may still be visible, but this activity is well within the fire’s interior and does not threaten containment lines.

Weather:

Temperatures today will be slightly cooler but hot and dry conditions persist. Conditions will gradually moderate through the weekend, but humidity will be slow to rise above near critical levels. Terrain-driven winds will reach 7-10 MPH.

Evacuations:

Monterey County – Evacuation Orders (Leave Now):
Zones: MRY‑F034, MRY‑F035, MRY‑F036, MRY‑F037-B, MRY‑F038-B, MRY‑G016, FHL-G011, FHL-G012-B, FHL-G014, FHL- G017, FHL-G018, FHL-G023

Monterey County – Evacuation Warnings (Prepare to Go):
Zones: MRY‑F033, FHL‑G012‑A, FHL‑G015, MRY-F037A, MRY-F038-A, MRY- F039, FHL-G012-A, FHL-G012-C, FHL-G015, FHL- G019, FHL-G026

Road Closures:

Highway 1 remains closed between the Caltrans maintenance facility at Gorda to the Kirk Creek Campground.

Evacuation Shelters:

If you are in need of shelter due to fire-related evacuation, call Red Cross at 805-678-3073.

*Everyone should “Know Your Zone.” Go to Genasys Protect to identify the zone you reside in.

Timber Fire Update Friday, September 11, 2026

Los Padres National Forest

Fire Information: 831-285-7006, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Email: 2026.Timber@firenet.gov

Start Date: August 8, 2026 | Cause: Under investigation | Total Acres: 25,380 |Containment: 27%
Total Personnel: 1,651 | Resources: 22 crews, 76 engines, 11 helicopters, 22 dozers, 30 water tenders

For more information on the Timber Fire, visit: Timber Fire Inciweb or Los Padres National Forest Facebook Page

Current Situation

Fire crews have held the fire within its current footprint for the past four days despite hot, dry conditions. Heat is scattered within the interior and along sections of uncontained fires edge. Previous cooler weather and sparse vegetation have helped limit fire growth. Acreage remains unchanged.

Firefighters continue direct extinguishment where safe, while reinforcing indirect containment lines to the north, east, and south. Initial attack crews remain ready due to receptive fuels. Along Highway 1, only a few hot spots remain as crews strengthen and clean up lines. The fire’s activity toward Cold Springs is being monitored by drones as the steep terrain makes direct engagement unsafe. Crews are constructing indirect handline along the ridge between Pheneger Creek and Juan Higuera Creek to protect nearby communities and park resources, using minimal-impact techniques in wilderness areas.

Access across much of the fire remains extremely limited due to steep and rugged terrain, requiring firefighters to rely on indirect lines placed 5 to 8 miles from the fire’s edge. Construction of indirect lines from Los Padres Reservoir along Little Bear Trap to Chews Ridge down to Arroyo Seco are nearing completion. These lines are constructed to ensure strong containment while minimizing disturbance to wilderness resources.

Aircraft remain highly effective for cooling hot spots and supporting firefighters. A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place, and all unauthorized aircraft—including recreational drones—are prohibited.

Weather & Air Quality

Over the next few days, the area will experience a cool period with winds shifting to onshore and good humidity recoveries limiting the active burn window. Fuels will remain very dry through Fridayproviding a receptive ignition source so crews will remain vigilant.

Air quality remains good to moderate for Big Sur, Carmel Valley, Fort Hunter Liggett, and Paso Robles. For more air quality resources or updates, visit Fire.AirNow.gov

Road Closures

Highway 1 remains closed due the Plaskett Fire. The closure now runs between Pacific Valley at the Kirk Creek Campground (mile marker 19 (mile marker 10.5) to the Willow Springs Caltrans Yard, just north of Gorda (mile marker 10.5).  More information on the CalTrans QuickMap.

Evacuations

Residents are urged to stay apprised of their zones as the Timber Fire remains

active. For the latest evacuation information, visit Ready Monterey County: www.readymontereycounty.org/emergency

Timber Fire Information

2026.Timber@firenet.gov

(831) 285-7006

Website: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/calpf-timber-fire

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