A new wildfire erupted in California’s Big Sur region on Thursday, forcing evacuation orders and a shutdown of scenic Highway 1 as a separate massive blaze continues burning nearby.
The Plaskett Fire, which ignited on Forest Road 23S10 east of Los Los Burros Road, had scorched 140 acres with zero percent containment as of Thursday morning, according to CalFire. The blaze prompted authorities to issue immediate evacuation orders and warnings across multiple zones in Monterey County.
At least 28 people were forced from their homes, KSBW reported. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office issued an immediate evacuation order for zone MRY-F036, instructing residents to leave right away due to grave danger to life and property. Evacuation warnings are also in effect for zones MRY-F035 and MRY-F037, where residents should prepare to evacuate if orders are given.
“The California Highway Patrol will close Highway 1 today at 1:00 p.m. From one mile south of Old Coast Road Mile Marker 50.1 to one-half mile south of Deetjens Big Sur Inn at Mile Marker 42.6,” CalFire announced. “The closure will remain in place for an unknown duration, and updates will be provided as conditions change.”
The highway shutdown affects one of the most celebrated stretches of coastal road in the United States, a major tourist draw that winds along dramatic cliffs above the Pacific Ocean.
Firefighting operations for the Plaskett Fire include six helicopters, with some drawing water directly from the ocean. The wildfire is currently burning approximately three miles inland from Highway 1 and Willow Creek.
The new blaze comes as the Timber Fire, which sparked back on August 9, continues to grow in the same Big Sur area. That fire had burned more than 19,000 acres as of Thursday morning, creating a dual emergency situation for firefighters and residents in the rugged coastal region.
The Plaskett Fire’s location east of Los Burros Road places it in densely forested terrain that has historically been vulnerable to wildfire spread, particularly during California’s dry summer months.
In the viral moment that preceded this latest outbreak, the Timber Fire had already established itself as a major conflagration in the Big Sur area, burning for nearly a week before the Plaskett Fire began. The earlier blaze had become one of the significant wildfires of the California season, drawing extensive firefighting resources to the iconic coastal region.
CalFire continues to provide updates on both fires as conditions develop, with the Highway 1 closure expected to impact travel and tourism in the area until further notice.