Plaskett Fire nearly doubles in size to over 15,000 acres as new evacuation order issued
This story originally appeared on KSBW.com
The Plaskett Fire has burned 15,479 acres and is 1% contained, according to a Sunday afternoon CAL FIRE update.
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That is an increase of 7,238 acres, or approximately 87.8%, from the 8,241 acres reported in the previous Saturday afternoon update.
Firefighters are focusing on structure protection along Plaskett Ridge Road and Los Burros Road. Crews are clearing brush around homes, positioning engines nearby, laying hose and conducting strategic burning between the fire and residential areas.
The fire has shown the most growth on its eastern side toward Fort Hunter Liggett and to the south. Fire activity has also backed toward Highway 1 near the Jade Cove area.
Crews are strengthening containment lines near South Coast Ridge Road and Prewitt Ridge. Firefighters are also monitoring an area of approximately two acres where flames crossed a containment line.
South of Willow Creek, crews are using roads, ridges and other natural features to help slow the fire. Firefighters are cooling hot spots along the fire’s edge to prevent additional spread and spot fires.
Helicopters and air tankers are supporting suppression efforts when weather conditions allow. Night-flying helicopters are also assisting with structure protection.
A large surge of firefighting resources continues to arrive at the scene. CAL FIRE reported 661 personnel assigned to the fire, including 36 engines, five water tenders, six helicopters, seven dozers, 23 hand crews and 13 other resources.
At least one structure was previously reported destroyed, according to local sources and U.S. Forest Service firefighters. Local sources described it as a small, one-bedroom home, while firefighters described it as an outbuilding. CAL FIRE’s latest incident report did not list updated structure damage totals.
Cooler weather and higher humidity are expected over the next several days. Firefighters plan to take advantage of the more favorable conditions to use direct containment tactics whenever possible.
Monterey County leaders are asking Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare an emergency to help bring additional resources to the fire.
“That would help us get more resources to this fire,” Monterey County Supervisor Kate Daniels said. “I think, in my opinion, it qualifies as an emergency. I think an emergency should be declared.”
Highway 1 closure
Highway 1 is closed from south of the Little Sur River at Mile Marker 56 to just north of the San Luis Obispo County line at Mile Marker 0.09.
There is no estimated time for when the highway will reopen. The closure affects nearly the entire Big Sur coastline.
Highway 1 is closed from south of the Little Sur River at Mile Marker 56 to south of Salmon Creek at Mile Marker 2.1.
The southern end of the closure was moved from Mile Marker 10.1 near Gorda to Mile Marker 2.1, extending the closure by about 8 miles.
The full closure covers nearly 54 miles and will remain in place until further notice.
Evacuations
Evacuation orders are in effect for:
MRY-F038 (new Sunday)
MRY-F034
MRY-F035
MRY-F036
MRY-F037
MRY-G012-A
MRY-G016
Evacuation warnings are in effect for:
MRY-F033
MRY-G011-A
MRY-G012-B
MRY-G015
An evacuation order means there is an immediate danger to life and residents must leave. A warning means there could be a danger to life or property. People who need extra time to evacuate should leave now.
Two shelters are open for evacuees.
One is located at the Carmel Mission Inn Conference Room, 3665 Rio Road in Carmel.
A second shelter has been opened a shelter at the Veterans Building, 1000 Main St., in Cambria. The shelter can accommodate 48 people.
People needing evacuation assistance can call the virtual Temporary Evacuation Point at 831-647-7760.
