BIG SUR, Calif. — Fire crews battled two wildfires along California's scenic Big Sur coast Thursday, using water-dropping aircraft and tactical back-burning as evacuation orders and partial closures of Highway 1 disrupted travel in the rugged coastal corridor.
Smaller blaze erupts near Highway 1; evacuations ordered
Firefighters attacked the smaller of the two fires with aircraft after it erupted Wednesday in steep terrain in Monterey County near Highway 1. Authorities briefly closed a portion of the scenic coastal route Thursday afternoon as crews worked to keep the flames from running through canyons and threatening isolated properties.
Officials issued a mix of evacuation orders and warnings for a handful of isolated homes and parcels near the new fire. As of Thursday evening the newer blaze had no containment and its cause remained under investigation.
Longer-burning Timber Fire remains active
About 40 miles (60 kilometers) to the north, the Timber Fire — active since Aug. 8 — continued to burn. Portions of Highway 1 were closed farther north as crews conducted planned back-burning operations, deliberately setting and burning strips of brush to create control lines aimed at preventing the larger fire from advancing toward populated areas of Big Sur.
Fire managers reported the larger blaze measured nearly 31 square miles (80 square kilometers) and had achieved slightly more than 20% containment.
| Fire | Location | Size | Containment | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plaskett Fire (new) | Near Highway 1, Monterey County | Not reported | 0% | Active; cause under investigation |
| Timber Fire | Approximately 40 miles north of new fire | ~31 sq mi (80 sq km) | >20% | Active; back-burning operations underway |
Resources, tactics and conditions
Fire crews deployed water-dropping aircraft to slow the spread of the newer fire and supported ground crews operating in steep, difficult terrain. For the larger Timber Fire, crews set controlled burns to remove fuel ahead of the fire’s path — a standard tactic intended to reduce intensity and prevent the fire from reaching communities.
State and local officials warned that fire danger remained high across much of California. Emergency managers attributed elevated risk to an increased chance of lightning strikes and gusty winds associated with the remnants of a Pacific tropical storm, conditions that can cause rapid shifts in fire behavior.
- Aircraft were used to attack the recent Plaskett Fire near Highway 1.
- Back-burning operations continued on the Timber Fire to protect populated areas of Big Sur.
- Evacuations and highway closures affected isolated properties and segments of Highway 1.
Impact on travelers and residents
The temporary closure of segments of Highway 1 disrupted access along the coastal route, a corridor relied upon by residents, visitors and businesses. Officials did not provide an estimate for reopening closed sections and continued to assess conditions as crews worked on containment lines.
Local authorities urged residents in affected areas to follow evacuation orders and warnings and to remain alert for updates. With the cause of the newer fire under investigation, officials emphasized that unpredictable weather and terrain can make suppression efforts challenging.
What officials say and next steps
Fire incident commanders continued to prioritize life safety and the protection of structures while employing aircraft, hand crews and controlled burns. Investigators planned to determine the origin and cause of the Plaskett Fire once conditions allow safe access to the area.
As crews press to establish containment, officials said the public should expect continued operational activity — including aircraft drops, road closures and back-burning — and should heed travel advisories and evacuation notices.
WE NEWS will provide updates as more information becomes available from Monterey County and fire incident command.
Kevin Nakamura contributed reporting from Big Sur.
