# Timber and Plaskett Fires expand, severing Highway 1

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/timber-fire-in-big-sur-california
> Updated: 2026-09-01T19:59:06.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 8.

The Timber and Plaskett fires continue to impact the Big Sur region, causing significant disruption to transportation and local residents. As of early September, the combined area burned by the two blazes has exceeded 54,000 acres.

The Plaskett Fire, located in southern Monterey County, has grown rapidly to approximately 29,000 acres with only 1% containment. Firefighters are facing challenges due to steep terrain and heavy vegetation as the blaze pushes toward Fort Hunter-Liggett. Meanwhile, the Timber Fire, situated about 25 miles north, has burned roughly 25,000 acres and reached approximately 23% containment. While the Timber Fire has stabilized somewhat due to cooler temperatures and higher humidity, the Plaskett Fire remains a significant threat.

Both fires have forced authorities to implement multiple closures on Highway 1, effectively severing the connection between the Bay Area and Los Angeles. Local impact remains severe, with between 1,000 and 1,200 residents in Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties under rolling evacuation orders or warnings. Authorities have indicated that some evacuation orders may be downgraded as weather conditions moderate.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-01: Big Sur wildfires burn over 54,000 acres, closing Highway 1

The Plaskett and Timber wildfires have burned over 54,000 acres in Big Sur, California, causing Highway 1 closures and prompting evacuations for up to 1,200 residents.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/big-sur-wildfires-force-highway-1-closures-and-evacuations

### 2026-08-29: Big Sur wildfires threaten Highway 1 as Plaskett Fire grows

The Plaskett Fire in Big Sur, California, has grown to nearly 6,000 acres with zero containment, threatening Highway 1 and prompting new evacuations alongside the ongoing Timber Fire.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/big-sur-wildfires-threaten-highway-1-as-plaskett-fire-grows

### 2026-08-26: Big Sur wildfires trigger evacuations and Highway 1 closures

Two wildfires, the Timber and Plaskett fires, are burning in Big Sur, California, causing evacuations, threatening structures, and forcing closures on Highway 1.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/big-sur-wildfires-threaten-structures-and-close-highway-1

### 2026-08-24: Timber Fire expands to over 12,000 acres in Monterey County

The Timber Fire in Monterey County, California, has grown to over 12,000 acres, prompting evacuations and smoke-related closures in the Big Sur and Ventana Wilderness areas.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/timber-fire-expands-to-over-12000-acres-in-monterey-county

### 2026-08-21: Highway 1 reopens in Big Sur as Timber Fire containment reaches 29%

Highway 1 in Big Sur has reopened following the Timber Fire, though some sections remain closed. The fire has burned up to 7,500 acres with containment at 29% as crews enter their third week of fighting it.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/highway-1-reopens-in-big-sur-as-timber-fire-containment-reaches-29

### 2026-08-19: Timber Fire burns 5,526 acres near Big Sur

The Timber Fire in Monterey County has burned over 5,500 acres near Big Sur. Containment is at 24%, with some evacuation orders downgraded to warnings as smoke impacts local air quality.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/timber-fire-burns-5526-acres-near-big-sur

### 2026-08-13: Timber Fire grows to 3,774 acres in Big Sur, California

The Timber Fire in Big Sur, California, has reached approximately 3,774 acres with low containment. Mandatory evacuations are in place, and officials urge travelers to avoid the area.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/timber-fire-grows-to-3774-acres-in-big-sur-california

### 2026-08-10: Big Sur Timber Fire forces evacuations and Highway 1 closures

The Timber Fire has scorched over 2,400 acres in Big Sur, California, forcing evacuations of residents and iconic landmarks, closing state parks, and shutting down a 16-mile stretch of Highway 1.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/timber-fire-threatens-big-sur-landmarks-and-institutions

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Cite as: Timber and Plaskett Fires expand, severing Highway 1. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/timber-fire-in-big-sur-california