Plaskett Fire breaks out in California’s Big Sur as crews continue battling Timber Fire
By Tim Fang
A new fire broke out in California’s Big Sur Wednesday morning, as crews continued to battle a massive wildfire in the area that has burned for more than two weeks.
According to Cal Fire, the “Plaskett Fire” was first reported shortly after 11 a.m. off Forest Rd 23S10, east of Los Burros Rd near the community of Plaskett. As of about 2:15 p.m., the fire has burned 100 acres with 0% containment.
Officials issued an evacuation order for zone MRY-F036 Wednesday afternoon. Meanwhile, evacuation warnings have been issued for zones MRY-F035 AND MRY-F037.
“Firefighters from various agencies including U.S. Forest Service, CAL FIRE, and local government are aggressively moving ground crews and heavy equipment to the perimeter of the Plaskett Fire in Monterey County to establish containment lines,” officials said in a statement. “Specialized elite Hotshot crews are actively working to gain access to the fire’s edge, while eight air tankers have been requested to fly overhead and assist ground personnel with targeted retardant drops.”
Officials said Cal Fire’s Tulare Charlie Strike Team has been deployed to Los Perros Road to assist about 30 residents, lead evacuation efforts and prepare homes for structure defense. Firefighters are also carrying out evacuations along Burro Road, where five to eight structures may be threatened.
The cause of the fire has not been determined.
The Plaskett Fire is burning about 20 miles south of the Timber Fire, which started in the Los Padres National Forest on the night of Aug. 8.
As of Wednesday, the Timber Fire has burned 17,817 acres and is 23% contained. More than 660 structures are threatened, officials said, and the fire has prompted multiple evacuation orders and evacuation warnings.
Officials said the cause of the Timber Fire is under investigation.
