Plaskett Fire expands to 27,000 acres in Monterey County

The Plaskett Fire has rapidly expanded to approximately 26,734 acres along the Big Sur coast in Monterey County, surpassing the size of the nearby Timber Fire. Driven by thick vegetation in an area that has not seen a major wildfire in over 50 years, the blaze has shown aggressive growth, increasing more than five hundredfold within five days of its ignition.

Cal Fire officials report that containment for the Plaskett Fire remains extremely low, at approximately 1%. Nearly 1,000 firefighters are currently engaged in suppression efforts, utilizing aircraft, engines, and hand crews to protect structures and establish containment lines. At least one structure has been destroyed.

The Timber Fire, which has been burning since August 8, has reached 25,190 acres with 22% containment. Both fires are causing significant challenges due to steep, rugged terrain and heavy fuel loads.

Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued across multiple zones in Monterey County, including areas near Fort Hunter Liggett and Carmel Valley, as officials monitor the potential for further southward spread.