This afternoon Cal Fire flew the Plaskett Fire and their intel plane puts it at 26,754 acres a significant increase in size in the 24 hours.
Report from Prewitt by Tom Collins
They lit off the backburn about 4 hrs ago (about 10 am). I went up to Prewitt and spoke with a few dozer operators. The had high confidence the containment line from SCRRoad, Prewitt and from Prewitt to HWY1 would hold. Looking East towards FHL and S towards Plaskett looked well under control. The temp was mid 60’s with fog coming up the slopes of Prewitt.
1-Firefighting crew trucks at Prewitt Camp.
2-SCRRoad from Alms looking over the Knoch area towards Chaulk Peak and FHL.
Infrared Maps of both the Timber Fire and the Plaskett Fire, 8/31 @ 2am
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
Estimated Acreage: 23,396
Acreage Change (if any): +7,918
(early this am and aerial scanner broadcast by a pilot said the Plaskett fire front was 4-5 miles wide)
Keith Vandevere analysis of both the Timber Fire and the Plaskett Fire, 8/31
Monday (8/31/26) Morning Update: The Timber Fire remains most active on the back side of the Cabezo Prieto Ridge near the Big Sur Valley. Heat detections suggest it may have crossed the South Fork of the Little Sur River in this area. If so, it is now poised to climb Launtz Ridge. From the top of Launtz Ridge it would overlook the North Fork of the Little Sur and the Pico Blanco Boy Scout Camp area.
Three new heat detections have appeared in the “Round Rock Creek” drainage (in the upper Carmel River watershed near the Ventana Double Cone) and fire could be seen actively burning in this area overnight.
The fire also appears to have become more active along the North Fork of the Big Sur River. This fire has reached the lower slopes of Black Cone and could run up it at any time. From the top of Black Cone, the fire would overlook Tassajara Creek and the Zen monastery (although it would have a lot of descending to do to get there).
The Plaskett Fire, meanwhile, has run north out of the Prewitt Creek drainage and into the Wild Cattle and Mill Creek watersheds and south into the Villa Creek watershed.
East of the Coast Ridge, it has run across Ft. Hunter Liggett nearly all the way to the Nacimiento River and south to a position just behind the Salmon Creek drainage.
Keith Vandevere, I have to say, I so appreciate your extensive knowledge of the Big Sur landscape. You provide more useful information than just about anybody! Thank you for sharing that with all of us.
Timber Fire (Day 24) & Plaskett Fire (Day 6) 8/31, Morning Update
Timber Fire:
Fire information: (831) 285-7006
Fire email: 2026.timber@firenet.gov
Website: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/calpf-timber-fire
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/calpf-plaskett-fire
| Location: Southeast of Loma Vista, Monterey County | Size: 24,970 acres |
| Start date: August 8, 2026 | Percent contained: 21% |
| Personnel Assigned:2,334 Firefighters | Cause: Under investigation |
Plaskett Fire:
| Location: East of Plaskett, Monterey County | Size: 15,478 acres |
| Start date: August 26, 2026 | Percent contained: 1% |
| Personnel Assigned: 897 Firefighters | Cause: Under investigation |
Timber Fire: 24,970 Acres, 21% contained and 2,334 firefighters assigned.
The Timber Fire remains active with moderate growth. Night shift crews worked to reinforce control lines and keep the fire in current containment lines.
Today’s priorities will be to contain the slop-over at Juan Miguel Creek north of Manuel Peak and connecting pieces of completed dozer and handline north toward Skinner Ridge and East toward Chews Ridge. Mop up and active patrolling continues along Highway 1 and communities along Big Sur.
Plaskett Fire: 15,478 Acres, 1% Contained and 897 firefighters assigned.
Crews worked aggressively throughout the night as the Plaskett Fire nearly doubled in size in the past 24 hours because of steady winds and thick vegetation with no fire history in the past 50 years.
The fire grew on all fronts, pushing north toward Prewitt Creek where firefighters worked stay ahead of the advancing front and conduct tactical firing operations from near San Miguel Creek along Prewitt Loop. Dozer line is in place to the north.
The fire pushed east onto Fort Hunter Liggett, near Anthony Creek and is more than a mile past South Coast Road.
Along the southern edge, crews conducted firing operations and implemented structure protection measures along Los Burro Road as the fire moved into Alder Creek.
The western edge of the fire backed downhill toward Highway 1 in the Pacific Valley/Sand Dollar Beach area.
Today’s efforts will continue to focus on structure protection and firing operations as conditions allow while seeking opportunity to go as direct as possible along the fire’s edge.
WEATHER:
Timber Fire location, winds will continue coming from the west, keeping humidity higher, especially below 2000 feet near Big Sur Village. Areas above 2000 feet will finally see some improvement, with humidity rising compared to recent days. Overall winds will stay onshore, with gusts up to 15 mph on the ridgetops, while lower‑slope winds will stay light at under 8 mph. Inland skies will be sunny, and coastal clouds will linger along the immediate shoreline this morning.
The Plaskett Fire region will stay covered by smoke, which will keep temperatures a bit cooler and slightly increase humidity. Light southwest winds are expected, and slope winds along Los Burros Road will work against the fire line.
ROAD CLOSURES AND: A hard road closure is in effect on State Route 1: For updates, visit:
https://roads.dot.ca.gov/?roadnumber=1 or https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/
EVACUATIONS
Monterey County has issued evacuation warnings and orders. View the Interactive Evacuation Page For current information and to sign up for alerts visit Monterey County’sDepartment of Emergency Management website.
San Luis Obispo County has issued Evacuation Warnings for areas affected by the Plaskett Fire – Visit https://www.readyslo.org/emergency/current-protective-actions/ for additional information.
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:
http://alertmry.org/alerts or http://alertmry.org/map
Timber Fire Information
2026.Timber@firenet.gov
(831) 285-7006
Website: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/calpf-timber-fire
Timber Fire, Day 23, 8/30, Evening Update
Timber Fire
Publication Type: News – 08/30/2026 – 19:00
Timber Fire
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:
https://roads.dot.ca.gov/?roadnumber=1 or https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/
EVACUATIONS
Monterey County has issued evacuation warnings and orders. View the Interactive Evacuation Page For current information and to sign up for alerts visit Monterey County’s Department of Emergency Management website.
San Luis Obispo County has issued Evacuation Warnings for areas affected by the Plaskett Fire – Visit https://www.readyslo.org/emergency/current-protective-actions/ for additional information.
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:
http://alertmry.org/alerts or http://alertmry.org/map
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.
Plaskett Fire, Day 5, 8/30, Evening Update
In doubled in size from yesterday to today. This is from BEU and USFS on Facebook this evening:
#PlaskettFire Update
The Plaskett Fire has been recently mapped at 15,478 acres and remains 1% contained.
The fire remains active, with fire backing down toward Highway 1. Firefighters continue to prioritize structure protection as a large surge of additional resources arrives 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 supporting continued structure protection overnight.
Crews not assigned to structure protection are opening containment line along Prewitt Ridge and South Coast Ridge Road. With no fire history in some areas for more than 50 years, heavy vegetation is contributing to active fire behavior.
Cooler temperatures and higher humidity are expected over the next several days. Firefighters will take advantage of favorable conditions to look for every opportunity to use direct containment tactics.
Timber Fire (Day 23) & Plaskett Fire (Day 5) 8/30 Morning Update
Fire information: (831) 285-7006
Fire email: 2026.timber@firenet.gov
Website: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/calpf-timber-fire
Timber Fire:
| Location: Southeast of Loma Vista, Monterey County | Size: 24,839 acres |
| Start date: August 28, 2026 | Percent contained: 21% |
| Personnel Assigned:2,192 Firefighters | Cause: Under investigation |
Plaskett Fire:
| Location: East of Plaskett, Monterey County | Size: 8,241 acres |
| Start date: August 26, 2026 | Percent contained: 1% |
| Personnel Assigned: 661 Firefighters | Cause: Under investigation |
Timber Fire:
The Timber Fire showed some activity on its southeast corner near Partington Ridge as winds picked up overnight. However, night crews along the highway were able to quickly extinguish and mop up hot spots, and overall the highway edge and the road into Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park looked good and cold.
Assignments today will continue as they have for the last few days, with heavy equipment opening roads and containment lines from previous fires and hotshot crews accessing and opening areas that the dozers are unable to reach. Hotshots are being supported in remote areas by helicopter, including by line medics, who have been flown out to ensure that any injuries on the line receive quick care.
Plaskett fire:
The Plaskett Fire was active all night, and firefighters remained in engaged in structure defense along the Los Burros road overnight, supported by night flying aircraft. Rocks rolling onto Highway 1 remains a concern.
Fire crews near Sand Dollar and Plaskett creek executed tactical firing operations overnight as the fire backed toward structures and residences. Firefighters maintained the perimeter near Plaskett Creek, while northern teams opened existing road systems and installed hose lines. On the eastern front, the fire reached the length of the primary dozer line, crossing South Coast Road and resulting in several slop-overs into Fort Hunter Liggett. Ground teams, supported by multiple fuel cycles from night flying helicopters, engaged these slop-overs and conducted defensive firing near Los Burros Road to protect threatened homes and structures. Additionally, crews identified a new 100-foot by 100-foot spot fire across Buckeye Road in the Willow Creek drainage.
Priorities for fire operations during the day are the protection of residential areas along the Los Burros ridge and toward Alder Creek. Crews will work to contain the small spot fire while scouting terrain further east of the ridge roads to establish new secondary fuel breaks. Operations will also continue to monitor fire spread backing toward Highway 1 to improve protection for coastal structures.
Today, a large resource surge will continue, with firefighters reporting to logistical bases established to support both fires at Haystack, Big Sur, and at Plaskett. A Mobile Retardant Base is being established on the east side of the fire to assist with aerial support on the fire’s east side.
WEATHER: No major day over day changes forecast with mostly sunny skies. Smoke shading will be more prevalent on the Plaskett fire. Temperatures running near or a few degrees below normal, mainly in the mid 70s to mid 80s. Humidity readings will trend more seasonable with afternoon minimums 18-28%. General winds from the Northwest 5-10 mph with afternoon ridgetop gusts to 15 mph. Most of the winds over the fire will be diurnally driven and light under 8 mph. The marine layer depth should be around 2000 feet and confined to the immediate coastline after mixing out by 1000 hours.
ROAD CLOSURES AND EVACUATIONS: A hard road closure is in effect on State Route 1: For updates, visit:
https://roads.dot.ca.gov/?roadnumber=1 orhttps://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/
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:
http://alertmry.org/alerts or http://alertmry.org/map
Timber and Plaskett Fire Information
2026.Timber@firenet.gov
(831) 285-7006
Website: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/calpf-timber-fire
Timber & Plaskett Q&A Event Tomorrow (Sunday) @ Mission Inn – 8/30/26
Timber & Plaskett Fire
Brown Bag Lunch Event!
California Incident Management Team 3 is hosting a brown bag event to interact with the communities affected by the Timber and Plaskett fires.
Bring your own lunch or snacks.
When: Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 12:00pm until 1:00pm.
Where: Carmel Mission Inn 3665 Rio Rd, Carmel, CA 93923
Why: Interact and ask questions about the Timber and Plaskett Fires.
Plaskett Fire, Day 4, 8/29 Evening Update
Acres burned 8241 and containment 0% 1%
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
https://www.facebook.com/CALFIREBEU
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.
