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Plaskett Fire Forces Big Sur Highway 1 Closure

8/28/2026

19 1 Full Breakdown

Summary

Cal Fire Closes

California officials closed a 40-mile stretch of Highway 1 in Big Sur because of the Plaskett Fire.
The Plaskett Fire burned roughly 1,700 acres and remained at 0% containment on Thursday.
Cal Fire ordered evacuation of zone MRY-F036 and warned zones MRY-F035 and MRY-F037.
Firefighters deployed six helicopters, eight air tankers, hotshot crews and heavy equipment to fight the blaze.

Summary

Cal Fire Closures

Owners of Nepenthe and Henry Miller Library closed again, cutting peak-season revenue.
All four Big Sur state parks stay closed, removing a key tourist attraction.
Officials ordered about 600 residents to evacuate and opened a shelter at Carmel Mission Inn.
Power outage warnings increased strain on electricity-dependent businesses.
Tourism officials warned the closures could depress regional income during the busiest summer months.

History

Historical Context

On November 8 2018 a faulty PG&E transmission line sparked the Camp Fire, which burned 153,000 acres, destroyed over 18,000 structures and killed 85 people in Butte County. Earlier warnings from Governor Jerry Brown in 2016 about fuel buildup and the 2005 Cal Fire management plan had highlighted Paradise’s vulnerability, prompting later statewide fire-prevention reforms.

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Cal Fire Closes

California officials closed a 40-mile stretch of Highway 1 in Big Sur because of the Plaskett Fire.
The Plaskett Fire burned roughly 1,700 acres and remained at 0% containment on Thursday.
Cal Fire ordered evacuation of zone MRY-F036 and warned zones MRY-F035 and MRY-F037.
Firefighters deployed six helicopters, eight air tankers, hotshot crews and heavy equipment to fight the blaze.

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