Plaskett Fire Grows to Over 8,200 Acres, Threatening Big Sur Homes

Firefighters are working to combat the Plaskett Fire, which has expanded to more than 8,200 acres as of Saturday evening, threatening homes in Big Sur. The fire remains 0% contained, having grown by over 2,000 acres since the morning. Monterey County officials are requesting California Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency to secure additional resources for firefighting efforts. "That would help us get more resources to this fire," stated Monterey County Supervisor Kate Daniels in an interview with KSBW. "I think, in my opinion, it qualifies as an emergency. I think an emergency should be declared." Hot, dry weather and afternoon winds have contributed to the fire's rapid spread, with officials anticipating a shift in winds to the northeast overnight. The fire is currently active near Jade Cove, where crews are working to strengthen fire lines along South Coast Road and monitor a 2-acre area where flames crossed a fire line. Firefighters are prioritizing the protection of homes along Plaskett Ridge Road and Los Burros Road by clearing brush, preparing buildings, and positioning engines nearby. They are also conducting controlled burns between the main fire and residential areas while cooling hot spots along the fire’s edge. Helicopters and air tankers are deployed to drop water when conditions permit. At least one structure, identified as an outbuilding, has been reported destroyed, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Highway 1 has been closed for nearly 54 miles, from south of the Little Sur River at Mile Marker 56 to south of Salmon Creek at Mile Marker 2.1, with the closure extending by about 8 miles. The highway will remain closed until further notice. Evacuation orders are in effect for several areas, and officials advise those needing extra time to evacuate, including individuals with pets or livestock, to leave immediately. The Plaskett Fire has surged as the nearby Timber Fire has also grown to nearly 25,000 acres as of Saturday evening.