The fast-moving Plaskett Fire exploded in size to more than 8,200 acres by early Saturday evening, continuing to threaten homes in the scenic Big Sur region. The blaze remained 0% contained, having grown by over 2,000 acres since Saturday morning.

Firefighters are working to protect residences along Plaskett Ridge Road and Los Burros Road, clearing brush, reinforcing structures, laying hose lines, and positioning engines. Crews are also conducting controlled burns of vegetation between the main fire and homes and cooling hot spots along the fire's edge. Helicopters and air tankers have been deployed to drop water when conditions permit.

Monterey County leaders have appealed to Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency and allocate additional resources to the firefighting efforts. "That would help us get more resources to this fire," Monterey County Supervisor Kate Daniels told KSBW. "I think, in my opinion, it qualifies as an emergency. I think an emergency should be declared."

The fire, which began Wednesday near Gorda, has been fueled by hotter, drier weather and afternoon winds. Officials are anticipating a shift in winds to the northeast overnight. The blaze remains active around Jade Cove, where crews are working to strengthen fire lines near South Coast Road and addressing a roughly 2-acre area where flames breached a fire line.

At least one structure, described as an outbuilding, has been reported destroyed, according to the US Forest Service. Officials are urging residents who need additional time to evacuate, as well as those with pets or livestock, to leave immediately.

A significant portion of Highway 1 is closed due to the fire. The closure spans nearly 54 miles, from south of the Little Sur River at Mile Marker 56 to south of Salmon Creek at Mile Marker 2.1. The southern closure point was extended by approximately 8 miles, moving from Mile Marker 10.1 near Gorda to Mile Marker 2.1. The highway will remain closed indefinitely.

Evacuation orders are in effect for zones MRY-F034, MRY-F035, MRY-F036, MRY-F037, MRY-G012-A, and MRY-G016.

Separately, the nearby Timber Fire had grown to nearly 25,000 acres as of early Saturday evening.