Firefighters battle the Timber Fire and the Plaskett Fire along the Big Sur coast, closing sections of Highway 1.
Firefighters are currently battling two major wildfires along the Big Sur coast, resulting in the new closure of two sections of Highway 1. The Timber Fire, which has burned over 23,300 acres since August 8, is currently 21% contained. The Plaskett Fire, which broke out on Wednesday, has burned more than 2,700 acres and remains uncontained. Kathryn Carr, a CAL FIRE official, stated that crews are working to fortify burn lines around Carmel Valley, which is currently not under immediate threat. Crews are utilizing previous fire scars from the previous Dolan Fire, Sabrina’s Fire, and the Basin Fire as fuel breaks. Yancey Cabrera, chief for Chachagua Fire Department, noted that the rugged terrain makes it difficult to access the area, and crews are focusing on established containment lines. Highway 1 is closed between mile marker 56 and 45 for the Timber Fire, and between mile marker 16 and 10.2 for the Plaskett Fire. Residents in the areas under evacuation orders are being urged to stay informed and prepared.