The newer Plaskett Fire and the larger Timber Fire are driving evacuations, structure-protection efforts and a full closure of a long stretch of California’s iconic coastal highway.
Two wildfires burning in California’s Big Sur region have forced a broad closure of Highway 1 and prompted evacuation orders and warnings as crews work in steep, remote terrain.
As of Saturday, August 29, the Plaskett Fire had grown to 8,241 acres and remained uncontained, according to the incident’s official updates. The fire, which began August 26 near Los Burros Road, had backed down toward Highway 1, where firefighters were focusing on protecting homes and other infrastructure.
The Timber Fire, which began August 8 southeast of Loma Vista in Los Padres National Forest, stood at 24,839 acres and was 21% contained. Officials said crews had completed firing operations near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and were continuing mop-up work, while also addressing hazards including falling rocks, debris and fire-weakened trees along the highway.
Highway 1 was closed from south of Salmon Creek at mile marker 2.1 to south of the Little Sur River at mile marker 56. Officials had not provided an estimated reopening time. The closure supports firefighting and evacuation operations and reflects continuing road-safety risks.
Firefighters were using aircraft, engines, heavy equipment and hand crews, while terrain, dense vegetation and limited access complicated suppression work. The causes of both fires remain under investigation.
Evacuation orders and warnings remained in effect in parts of Monterey County. Officials said cooler temperatures and higher humidity were expected, but cautioned that dry fuels, shifting winds and rugged terrain could continue to influence fire behavior.
