Published: · Last updated: · Reviewed by Ertuğrul Öz, Certified Fire Chief & Training Specialist
Active incident — 0% contained. The Plaskett Fire broke out around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, off Forest Road 23S10, east of Los Burros Road near the community of Plaskett, along California's Big Sur coast in Monterey County. The fire grew quickly to an estimated 100 acres by early afternoon. An evacuation order is in effect for zone MRY-F036, with evacuation warnings issued for zones MRY-F035 and MRY-F037. The cause remains under investigation. The Plaskett Fire is burning about 20 miles south of the ongoing Timber Fire, which has burned more than 17,800 acres since igniting August 8 and was 23% contained as of Wednesday. This article will be updated as containment figures change.
A new wildfire ignited along the rugged Big Sur coastline Wednesday morning, forcing evacuations just as crews were making progress on the larger Timber Fire burning to the north. Cal Fire, the U.S. Forest Service, and local agencies moved ground crews and heavy equipment toward the fire's perimeter, while elite hotshot crews worked to reach the fire's edge in difficult, hard-to-access terrain.
What's Burning and Where
The fire started off Forest Road 23S10 near Los Burros Road and grew from an initial 50 acres to roughly 80, then 100 acres within a few hours, according to Cal Fire updates. Officials said the terrain around the fire is very difficult to access, slowing ground crews' ability to reach the fire's edge directly. A helibase has been established to support aerial firefighting, and eight air tankers were requested to assist with retardant drops.
Initial mapping indicates between five and eight structures may be threatened along Burro Road, where crews are carrying out evacuations and structure defense. The CAL FIRE Tulare Charlie Strike Team was sent directly to Los Perros Road to assist roughly 30 local residents with evacuation. As additional command staff arrive, officials plan to formally split the incident into operational divisions to coordinate the response.
Evacuation Zones
| Zone | Status |
|---|---|
| MRY-F036 | Evacuation Order — leave immediately |
| MRY-F035, MRY-F037 | Evacuation Warning — be prepared to leave |
Only Plaskett Creek and Kirk Creek campgrounds, Pfeiffer Beach, Sand Dollar Beach, and the Willow Creek Day Use area remain open along this stretch of the Big Sur coast; all trails in the Ventana and Silver Peak Wilderness areas are closed due to the combined impact of the Plaskett and Timber fires.
A Second Fire on an Already-Stretched Coastline
The Plaskett Fire broke out as crews were already deep into a third week fighting the Timber Fire, which ignited the night of August 8 in the Los Padres National Forest and has burned more than 17,800 acres with 23% containment and more than 660 structures threatened. A stretch of Highway 1 remains closed for the Timber Fire, and resources already committed to that fire complicate the response to this new ignition just 20 miles south.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Plaskett Fire contained?
As of Wednesday afternoon, August 26, 2026, the Plaskett Fire was at 0% containment after burning an estimated 100 acres. Check the live sources below for the current figure, as this fire is very new and changing quickly.
What caused the Plaskett Fire?
The cause remains under investigation.
Is the Plaskett Fire related to the Timber Fire?
They are separate fires. The Plaskett Fire is a new ignition burning about 20 miles south of the Timber Fire, which has been burning in the Los Padres National Forest since August 8.
Have evacuations been ordered?
Yes. An evacuation order is in effect for zone MRY-F036, and evacuation warnings are in effect for zones MRY-F035 and MRY-F037. Between five and eight structures along Burro Road may be threatened.
Where to Get Live Updates
- Cal Fire — official incident page with size, containment, and resource updates.
- Monterey County Sheriff's Office — evacuation zone maps and alerts.
- Los Padres National Forest — trail and area closures affecting Big Sur.
- Local broadcasters — CBS San Francisco and KSBY provided initial on-the-ground coverage.
This article will be updated as containment increases or evacuation zones change. Verify any update against official Monterey County channels before making safety decisions.
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