BIG SUR, Calif. — Two wildfires are burning along California’s scenic Big Sur coast, forcing evacuations, closing portions of Highway 1 and challenging firefighters with steep terrain, dry vegetation and shifting winds. The Timber Fire and Plaskett Fire have burned more than 33,000 acres combined.
As of Sunday, CAL FIRE listed the Timber Fire at 24,839 acres and 21% containment, while the Plaskett Fire had burned 8,241 acres and remained essentially uncontained.
Plaskett Fire grows rapidly
The Plaskett Fire began August 26 in steep, rugged terrain near Highway 1, roughly 25 to 30 miles south of the Timber Fire.
The fire expanded rapidly over several days, prompting evacuation orders and warnings for nearby communities and threatening homes and other structures along Los Burros Road.
Firefighters have used helicopters, air tankers and ground crews to attack the flames. Limited roads and difficult terrain have made direct firefighting particularly challenging.
The cause of the Plaskett Fire remains under investigation.
Timber Fire has burned for weeks
The larger Timber Fire began August 8 and has been burning for more than three weeks.
Firefighters have conducted strategic firing operations to remove vegetation ahead of the fire and strengthen containment lines. Crews have also been protecting homes and other structures as the fire moves through rugged terrain.
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CAL FIRE said the fire remains active, with flanking and uphill runs as well as isolated tree torching reported during recent operations.
Highway 1 remains closed
The fires have disrupted travel along the famous coastal highway.
Sections of Highway 1 have been closed for public safety and to give emergency crews room to operate. As of Sunday, roughly 45 miles of the highway were inaccessible to through traffic, with a portion between the affected areas remaining open to local traffic.
The closures have also affected tourism during one of Big Sur’s busiest periods.
Several state parks in the region, including Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Andrew Molera State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Point Sur State Historic Park, have been closed because of the fires.
Evacuations continue
Authorities have issued evacuation orders and warnings covering communities along the fire corridors.
As of Sunday, evacuation orders covered 26 zones, while another 19 zones were under evacuation warnings, according to information compiled from local and state authorities.
Emergency officials are urging residents in affected areas to remain prepared to leave as fire conditions can change rapidly.
Weather complicates firefighting
Firefighters are working against hot, dry conditions, low humidity and afternoon winds.
The rugged coastal landscape can also produce unpredictable fire behavior, while limited road access makes it difficult for crews and equipment to reach some areas.
CAL FIRE said a cooler and more humid weather pattern could provide some relief, although shifting winds remain a concern.
Big Sur faces prolonged disruption
The fires have created a significant disruption for residents, businesses and visitors throughout the Big Sur region.
Road closures have restricted access, while evacuations and park closures have affected tourism and local businesses.
Fire officials are continuing to prioritize public and firefighter safety, structure protection and containment as crews work to prevent both fires from reaching more populated areas.
What Happens Next
Firefighters will continue aerial and ground suppression operations on both fires while authorities monitor weather and fire behavior.
Officials are also expected to maintain evacuation restrictions and highway closures where conditions remain unsafe.
With both fires still active, the situation can change quickly.
Key Facts
- Fires: Timber Fire and Plaskett Fire
- Location: Big Sur, Monterey County, California
- Combined area burned: More than 33,000 acres
- Timber Fire: 24,839 acres; 21% contained
- Plaskett Fire: 8,241 acres; about 0–1% contained
- Timber Fire started: August 8, 2026
- Plaskett Fire started: August 26, 2026
- Major impact: Evacuations and Highway 1 closures
- Cause: Under investigation
- Status: DEVELOPING
Reporting Credit: CAL FIRE — Timber Fire and Plaskett Fire incident updates; U.S. Forest Service — fire suppression and incident operations; Monterey County Sheriff’s Office — evacuations; California Highway Patrol — Highway 1 closures; California State Parks — Big Sur park closures.
