The Timber Fire and Plaskett Fire expand across Big Sur, forcing a 40-mile closure of Highway 1

Two major wildfires in Monterey County are currently threatening the Big Sur region, forcing a 40-mile closure of Highway 1 between Gorda and Captain Cooper Elementary School. The Timber Fire, which began on August 8, has burned over 24,000 acres and is 21% contained. To the south, the Plaskett Fire remains uncontained as it burns through more than 8,000 acres of steep, rugged terrain. Firefighters are prioritizing structure defense and strengthening containment lines while navigating difficult terrain that limits ground access. The administration announced that the closure of Highway 1 will remain in place until further notice, urging travelers to use Highway 101 as an alternate route. Local businesses, including the Henry Miller Memorial Library and the Gafill family's shops, have closed their doors again due to the fire activity. Residents in evacuation zones are advised to remain self-sufficient for at least seven days. All four state parks in the Big Sur area are currently closed to the public.

Sources

• KSBW
  Timber Fire now covers over 23,000 acres, as containment remains at 21%
• KSBW
  Plaskett Fire grows past 8,000 acres as crews try to protect homes near Highway 1
• The Guardian
  Fire in California’s Big Sur region doubles in size overnight, forcing evacuations
• CAL FIRE (.gov)
  Plaskett Fire
• San Francisco Chronicle
  ‘Do not come to Big Sur’: Wildfires shut Highway 1 at busiest time of year