Plaskett, CA Wildfire Overview - 01 September 2026
c. 0545 UTC
Weather Conditions -
Heavy cloud and haze cover was present across the entire fire.
Details -
Heavy clouds and haze were present over the entire fire. The entire perimeter is indicated as estimated.
Weather conditions had a severe effect upon analysis.
No data was received for the extreme southern end of the fire. The perimeter in that area is indicated as estimated.
Large areas of perimeter growth with intense and scattered fire were detected at the northwestern, northeastern, and southwestern corners of the fire.
Large areas of intense fire were detected along the northwestern, northeastern, and southwestern edges of the fire.
Very large areas of scattered fire were detected throughout much of the perimeter.
Isolated fires were generally within fairly close proximity to the main perimeters.
Acreage -
Starting Perimeter Source - Incident/NIFC
Starting Perimeter Date/Time - 31 August 2026 0200 UTC
Estimated Acreage: 26,887
Acreage Change (if any): +11,409
Today's Operation Map with IR overlay:
Timber Fire, CA Wildfire Overview 01 September 2026
Weather Conditions:
The vicinity of the fire was completely cloud covered.
Details
No Data Was Received for this wildfire. No products were produced or provided.
Timber, CA Wildfire Overview - 31 August 2026
c. 0900 UTC
Weather Conditions -
The vicinity of the fire was cloud free.
Details -
The interpreters were able to designate the fire perimeter and isolated fires with no difficulty.
Small areas of creeping growth were noted along the northwest and southeast corners of the perimeter.
Small areas of intense fire were detected along the northwest and southeast corners on the edges of the fire.
Large areasof scattered fire were detected throughout of the fire.
Isolated fires were generally within fairly close proximity to the main perimeters.
The fire within the perimeter was fairly widely scattered.
Acreage -
Starting Perimeter Source - Incident/NIFC
Starting Perimeter Date/Time - 08 AUg 2026 0113 UTC
Estimated Acreage: 24,970
Acreage Change (if any): +243
Plaskett, CA Wildfire Overview - 31 August 2026 c. 0900 UTC Weather Conditions - Heavy cloud cover was present across the southwestern 20% of the fire.
Details - Heavy clouds were present over the southwestern 20% of the fire. The perimeter in that area is indicated as estimated. Weather conditions had a severe effect upon analysis. No data was received for the eastern and southeastern edges of the fire. The perimeter in that area is indicated as estimated. Very large areas of growth with intense fire were detected along the northern, eastern, and southern portions of the perimeter. Very large areas of intense fire were detected within the southeastern portion of the perimeter. Very large areas of scattered fire were detected within the central and northeastern portions of the perimeter.
Acreage - Starting Perimeter Source - Incident/NIFC Starting Perimeter Date/Time - 31 August 2026 0200 UTC
Crews had another strong work day on the Timber Fire. Crews worked on a spot fire near Post Summit along the northwest corner of the fire and were able to secure it with handline.
Firefighters and heavy equipment continued improving existing containment lines from Botchers Gap and Kincannon Road to Los Padres Dam and along the Coast Ridge Road while Hotshot crews remain engaged in remote portions of the Ventana Wilderness where access is limited.
Firing operations that have been completed around Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park held through the day, with crews continuing mop-up along Highway 1. Falling rocks from steep terrain above the road continue to present a significant hazard.
Portions of Big Sur remain under evacuation orders, warnings, and shelter-in-place orders.
Hotshots working above the water treatment plant were able to put check lines in where dozers can’t operate to further ensure containment on the northernmost corner of the fire along Highway 1. Handcrews continue to connect the dots in places where containment lines have been opened and improved by dozers and where the terrain is too steep
WEATHER: For the Timber fire, winds will continue to be from the west which will keep humidity values elevated, especially for elevations below 2000 feet near Big Sur Village. Interior areas above 2000 feet will finally see some RH relief with values creeping higher than previous days. While general winds will remain onshore with ridgetop gusts to 15 mph, the winds on the lower slopes will remain terrain driven and light under 8 mph. Skies will remain sunny inland with coastal clouds this morning along the immediate coast.
ROAD CLOSURES AND: A hard road closure is in effect on State Route 1: For updates, visit:
REVISED FOREST CLOSURE ORDER: The Los Padres National Forest has issued an Area Closure for Forest Service managed lands surrounding the Timber and Plaskett Fires. Full text of the Closure Order, and Closure Order Map.
For current highway and evacuation information, visit Ready Monterey County:
Firefighters and heavy equipment continued improving existing Timber Fire containment lines from Bottchers Gap and Kincannon Road to Los Padres Dam and along Coast Ridge Road. Hotshot crews remain engaged in remote portions of the Ventana Wilderness where access is limited. Firing operations completed around Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park held through the day, with crews continuing mop-up along Highway 1. Falling rocks from steep terrain above Highway 1 continue to present a significant hazards.
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
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.
The Timber Fire remains active, with flanking, uphill runs, and isolated tree torching observed. Steep terrain and heavy fuel loading continue to create significant challenges for suppression efforts. Firefighters have kept pace with the fire’s downhill movement toward Highway 1 near Pfeiffer State Park. Continued fire spread is expected toward the Lucia Range, South Fork Trail, and northeast toward the Black Cone Trail.
Manuel Peak and the Pfeiffer State Park area are expected to remain primarily in a smoldering phase overnight following firing operations.
In the Ventana Cone area, fire will continue burning northeast where continuous fuels are available.
On the eastern edge, crews continue working to keep pace with fire movement toward the Black Cone Trail and Carmel River Trail. Along Coast Ridge Road, firefighters are working to maintain and strengthen control features as the fire progresses.
Fire growth continues to be primarily terrain- and fuel-driven, with potential movement into the Lion Creek, Ventana Creek, North Fork and South Fork Big Sur River, Redwood Creek, Cienega Creek, and upper Carmel River drainages. Potential impacts remain to Michaels Hill and Coast Ridge Road.
Crews will continue direct and aggressive attack where conditions allow, while establishing and improving containment lines where terrain and fire behavior permit. Firing, backfire, and burnout operations will continue as necessary to keep pace with the main fire, strengthen control features, and create defensible space around threatened structures.
Fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft will continue supporting ground resources with direct suppression and contingency-line construction where appropriate. Day and night firefighting operations will continue.
Highway 1 remains a significant operational concern. Recent firing operations have contributed to rockslides along the highway. When conditions are safe, Caltrans road engineers will assess, remove, or blast hazardous rocks before the roadway can safely reopen.
Tonight, winds are expected to shift northeast and gust into the teens, potentially reaching approximately 17 mph over the Timber Fire as a weak dry front moves through. Cooler temperatures are expected to persist, with the marine layer eventually deepening to approximately 2,000–2,500 feet; however, relative humidity is expected to remain generally in the 20–30% range.
Operational priorities remain protecting life and property, holding established control features, maintaining structure defense, and keeping the fire north of Nacimiento-Fergusson Road, south of Carmel Valley Road, east of Highway 1, and west of Millers Ranch.
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
Firefighting operations are intensifying as additional personnel and equipment integrate into the incident, expanding overall operational capacity. The fire remains active near Highway 1 in the Jade Cove area, with crews working aggressively to protect structures, critical infrastructure, and stop further spread.
On the eastern flank near South Coast Road, firefighters are securing control lines and prioritizing patrol of a two-acre slopover.
South of Willow Creek, crews are assessing options to strengthen existing barrier features to check fire progression. Warmer, drier daytime conditions and afternoon winds are elevating fire behavior in exposed fuels, prompting crews to closely monitor high-risk areas. Firefighters are also preparing for an overnight shift in wind direction toward the northeast, adjusting tactics as terrain, dry fuels, and shifting weather demand.
Protecting homes and infrastructure remains a top priority, particularly along the western section of Plaskett Ridge Road toward Highway 1. Resources are actively clearing defensible space, prepping structures, and pre-positioning fire engines to respond to changing fire lines. Extensive structure protection continues along Los Burros Road. On the southern front, firefighters are extending hose lays, strengthening primary lines, and conducting tactical firing operations to burn out fuels between the main fire and nearby homes. Crews are utilizing natural ridgelines, roads, hand lines, and bulldozer paths, while evaluating options for a secondary contingency line east of South Coast Road. Ground teams are actively cooling hotspots along established boundaries to prevent spot fires or further slopovers.
Helicopters and air tankers continue targeted water drops to slow fire advancement, reduce flame intensity around structures, and support ground crews navigating steep and rugged terrain. Highway 1 remains fully closed from Mile Marker 10.1 near Gorda to Mile Marker 56 near Big Sur due to active fire operations, falling rock, and fire-weakened trees.
The U.S. Forest Service, Monterey County emergency agencies, and CAL FIRE are closely coordinating all suppression and emergency response efforts. Residents and visitors must remain vigilant, obey all evacuation orders and warnings, avoid travel in operational zones, and monitor official agency channels for real-time safety updates.
Evacuation Orders have been issued for Zone: MRY-G012-A.
Evacuation Warnings have been issued for Zone: MRY-G011-A & MRY-G012-B.
The southern Highway 1 closure has been moved to mile marker 2.1, just south of Salmon Creek. This closure location is aligned with the southern border of Evacuation Zone MRY-F037, which is now in Evacuation Order. The northern closure remains the same at south of Little Sur River at mile marker 56.
Firefighters are actively working to gain safe access to the Higuerra Creek area after the Timber Fire slopped over established containment lines into challenging terrain. Along Highway 1, strategic firing operations are now complete, and ground crews remain on scene patrolling, mop-up operations, extinguishing internal hotspots, and fortifying control lines. Pockets of unburned vegetation will continue to burn well inside the perimeter, producing visible smoke that firefighters are actively monitoring to protect against potential line breaks.
Air operations, including helicopters and water drops, will continue supporting ground crews as visibility and operational needs dictate. Highway 1 remains closed due to severe ongoing hazards such as falling rocks, rolling debris, and fire-weakened trees, with road condition assessments continuously underway to safeguard the public and responding crews.
To ensure suppression actions cause minimal long-term impact to the environment and surrounding communities, Incident Command leadership is working directly with local Resource Advisors (READs) to integrate local geographic and environmental knowledge into the daily Incident Action Plan (IAP). Resource Advisors are actively mapping and flagging sensitive locations—including local archaeological and cultural sites, rare native flora, waterways, and wildlife habitats—so heavy equipment operators, hand crews, and dozer teams can navigate around these areas. By coordinating directly with crews on the ground, these local experts are ensuring tactical operations balance swift fire suppression with rigorous environmental protections, including precautions to safeguard local water sources from fuel and retardant runoff.
The Timber fire is has been mapped at 24,408 acres and has 21% containment.
Firefighters are maintaining active suppression operations across the entire incident by focusing on structure protection, fortifying primary control lines, and preparing secondary contingency options. Along the Manuel Peak and Highway 1 corridor, where the fire has pushed south and breached control features in multiple areas, engine strike teams, hand crews, and Hotshots are conducting coordinated strategic firing operations to protect nearby structures. These ground efforts are reinforced by unmanned aircraft systems, aviation assets, and retardant drops applied directly to dozer lines along the ridge above the highway. Ground personnel continue to cut direct handline wherever terrain permits, using both fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft to support these critical holding operations.
Across the northern sector of the fire, crews and heavy equipment are connecting and improving a network of dozer lines, handlines, roads, and ridgelines to build robust primary control features. Near Botchers Gap, dozers are pushing east toward the Los Padres Reservoir while strengthening the Big Pine Ridge system. Moving further east toward Arroyo Seco, crews are engaged in a long-term operation to prepare the surrounding ridge system as a main barrier, which involves extensive line clearing, improving access routes, and establishing structure-defense plans. Meanwhile, south of Arroyo Seco, resources are clearing the Indians–Arroyo Seco Road to bolster both primary lines and backup options.
In the southern portion of the incident, crews and dozers are actively clearing existing control lines while preparing the Coast Ridge Road corridor and adjacent ridges to act as secondary holding features if the fire moves south. Air operations are being guided by two dedicated Air Attack platforms, supported by a mix of Type 1 and Type 2 helicopters as well as day-and-night drone operations, though fixed-wing air tankers remain limited by high national demand and are strictly deployed for high-priority ground operations. Recent smoke and cloud cover prevented overnight infrared mapping flights, meaning the current fire perimeter maps do not capture recent expansion and will remain unupdated until conditions clear. Ultimately, all firefighters remain committed to their core strategic objective of containing the blaze north of Nacimiento-Fergusson Road, south of Carmel Valley Road, east of Highway 1, and west of Millers Ranch.
Location: Southeast of Loma Vista, Monterey County
Size: 23,343 acres
Percent contained: 21%
Start date: August 8, 2026 [sic]
Personnel Assigned: 1,228
Cause: Under investigation
CURRENT SITUATION:
Fire continues backing down from Manuel Peak into the Big Sur River drainage. Crews are strengthening the western edge by using specialized equipment and hand crews to clear vegetation and using natural geographical features to slow fire spread. Firefighters continue structure defense and strategic firing near Manuel Peak toward the Highway 1 corridor when conditions allow. Heavy equipment is extending dozer line east toward Los Padres Reservoir.
On the northeast and eastern portions of the fire, crews are also strengthening fireline along ridge systems toward Arroyo Seco, Willow Creek, and Black Canyon.
Air resources continue supporting ground operations. Helicopters, airtankers and UAS modules are being used as conditions and availability allow. Two UAS modules are operating day and night for strategic firing support, infrared reconnaissance, and heat detection near containment lines. Two additional UAS modules are being ordered.
A mobile retardant base is supporting helicopter operations closer to the incident, improving aircraft turnaround times. Air Operations continues expanding aviation support.
The Timber Fire is receiving additional personnel today to support the fire suppression efforts.
WEATHER:
Warm and dry conditions continued overnight. Temperatures stayed in the 70s, with relative humidity recoveries of 25–35%.
Cooler, more moist conditions with periods of light rain are transitioning to drier conditions as the day progresses.
CLOSURES AND EVACUATIONS:
Los Padres National Forest closures remain in effect for trails and roads in the fire area.
On the Timber Fire, firefighters are actively conducting firing operations—controlled burning to consume fuels in front of the advancing wildfire, effectively creating a barrier to stop its progress—working from the south toward eastern sections of the perimeter. The fire has backed down through the Big Sur drainage and is approaching the Pfeiffer Incident Command Post area.
Structure triage is complete, with Type 6 engines and equipment staged along the road to maintain point-protection as the fire backs toward nearby structures. Prep work is finished south of the command post along Highway 1 and up the dozer line toward Manuel Peak, where the Vista Grande Hotshots, Fulton resources, and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones are coordinating firing operations from opposite directions. Once at the appropriate elevation, crews will extend the fire across the Valley View Trail system to clean up interior unburned fuels.
Firefighters are also actively addressing a 50-acre slopover—where the main fire crossed over the control line that resulted from yesterday’s activity. While air tankers have successfully checked its spread, the slopover continues to burn through local drainages, and crews will deploy handlines and retardant to fully secure it based on accessibility.
Four crews are currently stationed along the dozer line and below Manuel Peak, with an additional hotshot crew slated to secure the remaining section. With forecast winds threatening line integrity, crews are prioritizing the tie-in of these lines and expect full completion tonight or tomorrow depending on weather and operational progress. As these tactical burns wrap up, resources will continue moving down the dozer line toward southern perimeter operations.
TIMBER FIRE TOWN HALL
Please join California Incident Management Team 3, Cachauga Fire, and other cooperating fire agencies for a community meeting to receive the latest updates regarding the Timber Fire. Community Members will have an opportunity to hear directly from officials and ask questions.
Details:
Saturday, August 29 at 4:00 PM
Cachagua Community Park, 37320 Nason Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
