Timber, Plaskett fires continue to grow in California’s Big Sur; Highway 1 closed

By Tim Fang

A lengthy stretch of Highway 1 on California’s rugged Big Sur coastline remains closed Saturday, as firefighters continue to battle the Timber and Plaskett fires.

Timber Fire Update

The larger of the two fires, the Timber Fire, burned 24,839 acres as of Saturday afternoon, according to Cal Fire, with containment at 21%. More than 660 structures remain threatened, nearly three weeks after the fire started.

In an update Saturday, crews said they’re keeping pace with the fire’s downhill spread toward Highway 1 near Pfeiffer State Park. The fire is expected to grow toward Lucia Range, South Fork Trail and the northeast toward the Black Cone Trail.

“Fire growth continues to be primarily terrain- and fuel-driven, with potential movement into the Lion Creek, Ventana Creek, North Fork and South Fork Big Sur River, Redwood Creek, Cienega Creek, and upper Carmel River drainages,” officials said.

Meanwhile, crews working other parts of the fire were working to clear brush and to strengthen containment lines.

“Operational priorities remain keeping the public and firefighters safe, protecting structures, reinforcing main and backup containment barriers, supporting controlled burning operations, and stopping further fire spread,” officials said.

The Timber Fire was first reported on the night of August 8 southeast of Loma Vista in the Los Padres National Forest. According to Cal Fire, it is the third most destructive wildfire in the state so far this year.

Plaskett Fire Update

Crews are also continuing to battle the Plaskett Fire, which started Wednesday about 20 miles south of the Timber Fire. As of Saturday evening, the fire burned 8,241 acres with zero containment.

“The Highway 1 corridor continues to be impacted by the fire,” officials said. “Structures and critical infrastructure along the corridor remain threatened, and crews have initiated firing operations around primary residences and critical infrastructure to improve defensible space.”

The cause of the Timber and Plaskett fires is under investigation.

Highway 1 Closure Expands

A 54-mile stretch of Highway 1 in Big Sur is closed. On Saturday afternoon, the California Highway Patrol extended the closure from just south of Salmon Creek (mile marker 2.1) to the Little Sur River (mile marker 56). 

On Thursday afternoon, an eight mile stretch of the highway was initially closed as part of firefighting efforts.

Caltrans urged drivers to avoid unnecessary travel in the area. Officials did not provide an estimate on when the road would reopen.

Evacuations / Shelter In Place Orders

Multiple evacuation orders and evacuation warnings remain in effect on Saturday due to both fires.

Up-to-date evacuation information can be found at alertmry.org/alerts. A map of current evacuation orders and warnings can be found at project.genasys.com.