Los Padres National Forest

Fire Information: 805-257-9891Email: 2026.Plaskett@firenet.govClosure Info: Monterey Ranger District Emergency Closure OrderAdditional Information: Plaskett Fire Linktree /Plaskett Fire Inciweb / Los Padres National Forest Facebook

Friday, September 18, 2026

Total Acres: 29,993 | 97% contained | Total Personnel: 491Resources: 8 Crews | 7 Type 3 Engines | 5 Type 6 Engines | 3 Dozers | 4 Helicopters | 6 Masticators | 17 Water Tenders

Current Situation:

The firefighting portion of the Plaskett Fire is nearly complete. Firefighters are now working on the suppression repair and rehabilitation phase in and around the fire footprint. The goal is to minimize the potential for erosion and sedimentation in stream channels, reduce the visual impacts of fire lines, repair the roads and trails that were impacted by fire suppression and protect the natural and cultural resources from further damage. The main focus is to reduce the indirect, after-fire impacts to the land and prepare the area for rain this winter.

Closures:

Portions of the Nacimiento – Fergusson Road remain closed on the Los Padres National Forest per the Forest closure order. For ongoing closure order updates, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/lospadres/alerts.

Weather:

Warmer and drier conditions are expected today, reaching highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s. Humidity is dropping into the 25-45% range.  Northeast to east winds with mild afternoon gusts of 12-18 MPH are anticipated. Energy release component values and ignition probabilities continue to decrease. The warming and drying trend will continue on Saturday. However, cooler conditions and higher humidity are predicted for Sunday and Monday.

One can access the order and the attachments here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/nfs/files/r05/lospadres/publication/alerts/Order%2005%2007%2051%2026%2010%20Monterey%20Ranger%20District%20Emergency%20Closure%20except%20Pfeiffer%20Beach%20and%20Sycamore%20Canyon%20Road.pdf

LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST

MONTEREY RANGER DISTRICT

FOREST ORDER NUMBER 05-07-51-26-10

MONTEREY RANGER DISTRICT EMERGENCY CLOSURE EXCEPT PFEIFFER BEACH AND SYCAMORE CANYON ROAD

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following

acts are prohibited within the Los Padres National Forest. This Order is effective from August 29, 2026, until

the Timber and Plaskett Fires are declared out.

1. Going into or being upon any National Forest System lands within the Monterey Ranger District

Emergency Closure Area, as described in Exhibit A and shown on Exhibit B. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e).

2. Being on any National Forest System roads within the Monterey Ranger District Emergency Closure

Area, as described in Exhibit C and shown on Exhibit B. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).

3. Being on any National Forest System trails within the Monterey Ranger District Emergency Closure

Area, as described in Exhibit D and shown on Exhibit B. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a).

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire-fighting force in the

performance of an official duty;

2. Owners, lessees, or residents of private land within the Monterey Ranger District Emergency Closure

Area, to the extent necessary to access their land, unless the area is under evacuation order by the

Monterey County Sheriff or California Office of Emergency Management;

3. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas

Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A.

A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for

an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559,

3571, and 3581.

Executed at Marina, California this 28th day of August 2026.

JEANNE DAWSON Digitally signed by JEANNE

DAWSON

Date: 2026.08.28 20:43:13 -07’00’

Jeanne Dawson

Deputy Forest Supervisor

Los Padres National Forest

Order 05-07-51-26-10 supersedes Order 05-07-51-26-08 executed on Augu

There is a site visit meeting at 8am for the public and the LUAC to review the project site. Then following the site meeting, the proposed project will be presented and reviewed by the public and LUAC at 10:15am at the Lodge at Big Sur park. There will be time for public comment at the beginning of the meeting at 10:15am. You not need to attend both meetings if you are pressed for time. The 10:15 am  meeting is the most informative and impactful. 

8AM Sept. 22nd – Rocky Point site visit. 
Project Name: ESPERANZA CARMEL COMMERCIAL LLC (ROCKY POINT

RESTAURANT)

File Number: PLN220363

Project Location: 36700 HWY 1, Monterey, CA 93940

10AM Sept. 22nd – Project presentation / Public comment / LUAC Review
Big Sur Multi-Agency Facility (Big Sur Station #1) 47555 Hwy 1, Big Sur

If you’re unable to join either of the meetings but would like to comment on the project,  please submit your comments to Monterey County at:  

Price, Taylor, pricet1@countyofmonterey.gov; BowlingMR@countyofmonterey.gov.

Public comments will be included in the project presentation review and meeting minutes. Local feedback is extremely impactful on the ultimate outcome and recommendations by the LUAC. Public comments are recorded in the meeting minutes along with the LUAC’s recommendations and provided to Monterey County Board of Supervisors for their review and consideration of the impacts of the developments before any decision is made. 

You can view the proposed project plans via the weblink here. 
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:b8f58405-e1a2-4a6d-ba36-a7f5f14e2d8c

PROPOSED BUILDING SIZE: 14,909 SF 
PROPOSED BUILDING FOOTPRINT:  13,626 SF TOTAL
7,607 SF @ LEVEL 1
6,019 SF @ BASEMENT

EXISTING BUILDING SIZE: 8,719 SF 
EXISTING BUILDING(S) FOOTPRINT: 4,231 SF

This is a complex development and feedback from the local community is the most valuable resource for County Supervisors to consider the impacts. 

Please note: there are some aspects of this development that are not under Monterey County review (copied below from proposed plans). These aspects are all involving the coastal assess point, not the restaurant. And are reviewed and approved by the Coastal Commission. I do not know if there is still opportunity to provide feedback to the Coastal Commission on those aspects. Approval has been provided and preparations at the location are underway. I will forward information I find for opportunities to submit public comment to the Coastal Commission, if available. 

THE PUBLIC AMENITIES PLAN AND THE RESTORATION PLAN, WHICH ARE REQUIRED BY CONSENT CEASE AND DESIST ORDER CCC-24-CD-02, HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION AND ARE NOT SUBJECT TO REVIEW OR CDP APPROVAL BY MONTEREY COUNTY. THE FOLLOWING SITE IMPROVEMENTS, WHICH ARE INCLUDED IN THE PLAN SET FOR REFERENCE, ARE NOT PART OF THE ROCKY POINT RESTAURANT REDEVELOPMENT CDP PERMIT APPLICATION BEING CONSIDERED BY MONTEREY COUNTY: THE PUBLIC RESTROOMS (BUILDING C), THE 24 PUBLIC PARKING SPACES, THE TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS, THE PUBLIC VIEWING AREA, THE INTERPRETIVE SIGNS, THE PUBLIC ACCESS WAYFINDING SIGNS, THE RESTAURANT ENTRANCE SIGN, TREE REMOVAL, AND THE RESTORATION WORK. 

This is a rendering of the proposal:

But to see ALL the renderings and plans, go to this link:

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:b8f58405-e1a2-4a6d-ba36-a7f5f14e2d8c

In my opinion, this is ai monstrosity and has not even a mod toward complying with the Big Sur Land Use Plan. This is more of a “I am rick and I can do whatever the heck I want.:

Plaskett Fire Evacuation Updates

Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is downgrading Evacuation Orders to Evacuation Warnings for Zones MRY-F034, MRY-F035, and MRY-F036.

The Evacuation Warnings for Zones MRY-F037-A, MRY-F037-B, MRY-F038-A, MRY-F038-B, and MRY-F039 are lifted and have returned to normal status. 

See zones: AlertMRY.org/Map

Highway 1 has been reopened between MM 11.1 and MM 19.0.

More info: AlertMRY.org/alerts

****

The opening of those last 8 miles of Highway One now means the entire highways is open. However, be aware there is still considerable fire traffic utilizing the highway.

REMINDER: The Monterey District of the Los Padress National Forest is still closed as firefighting efforts have not ended and the fires are not out as required to reopen.

This will probably be my last update on this fire, unless something changes.

2026 Plaskett Fire Incident Update

Los Padres National Forest

Saturday, September 12, 2026

Current Situation:

The Plaskett Fire is now 83% contained. Last night’s firing operations achieved the intended results, further strengthening containment lines. As the fire becomes more secure, firefighters are increasingly shifting their focus to suppression repair, working alongside resource advisors to protect natural and cultural resources. Overnight, crews continued to patrol the fire and identify and extinguish remaining heat near the perimeter.

The objective remains to keep the fire within its current footprint while firefighters continue strengthening containment and completing suppression repair. As conditions improve and fewer resources are needed, personnel and equipment are being released from the incident and made available to support other fires across the region.

Weather:

Temperatures well above normal continued on Friday, but low pressure aloft crossing the Pacific Northwest and northern California this weekend will spread cooler temperatures over the central portion of the state. Early next week, increased humidity and temperatures near to below normal are expected.

Evacuations:

Monterey County – Evacuation Orders (Leave Now):
Zones: MRY‑F034, MRY‑F035, MRY‑F036, 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, MRY-F037A, MRY-F037B, MRY-F038-A, MRY-F039B, MRY- F039, FHL-G012-A, FHL-G012-C, FHL-G015, FHL- G019, FHL-G026

Road Closures:

Highway 1 is closed from 11.1 miles north of the San Luis Obispo/Monterey County Line at Los Burros to 19 miles north of the San Luis Obispo/Monterey County Line at Kirk Creek Camp.

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.

Milkweed regrowth, photo by Gail Dinsmore.

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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