What is the name and location of the wildfires?
As of August 31, 2026, there are two active wildfires burning in the Los Padres National Forest along California's central coast (1). The fires have shut down several miles of Highway 1.
The Timber Fire, the larger of the two, is located southeast of Loma Vista in Monterey County, California, along the Big Sur coastline. It is affecting the area around Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, the Ventana Wilderness, and the Highway 1 corridor, with potential fire growth toward the Lucia Range, Lion Creek, and the Carmel River drainages.
The Plaskett Fire is located approximately 20 miles south of the Timber Fire and spans both Monterey County and San Luis Obispo County. It is affecting areas along Los Burros Road, Prewitt Ridge, Willow Creek, San Miguel Creek, and the Highway 1 corridor near the Nacimiento River.
Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfires?
Several communities and areas of Central California are being affected either directly by the wildfires or by wildfire smoke.
What is the current containment status of the wildfires?
As of August 30, the Timber Fire has burned approximately 24,970 acres and is 21% contained (2). Crews have made strong progress securing containment lines from Bottchers Gap and Kincannon Road to the Los Padres Dam and along Coast Ridge Road and firing operations around Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park have held successfully. However, more than 660 structures remain threatened, and the fire is expected to continue growing.
The Plaskett Fire has burned 15,478 acres and is 1% containment (3). It has been extremely active due to sustained winds of nearly 20 mph and heavy vegetation. Night-flying helicopter operations were suspended due to deteriorating visibility, though ground crews remain engaged overnight. Structures along the Highway 1 corridor remain threatened, and the fire has been pushing south into San Luis Obispo County.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Yes. Multiple evacuation orders and warnings are in effect for both fires.
For both the Timber and Plaskett Fires, Level 3 "Go" evacuation orders are in place for numerous Monterey County zones. Level 2 "Set" evacuation warnings are in effect for Monterey County and San Luis Obispo County zones. Several zones are under Shelter in Place orders.
Additionally, 54-miles of Highway 1 in Big Sur were closed from the Little Sur River to just south of Salmon Creek.
How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?
Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
