SACRAMENTO–Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay), released the following letter requesting Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency in Monterey County in response to the ongoing Timber and Plaskett Fires in Big Sur:
August 27, 2026
The Honorable Gavin Newsom
Governor, State of California
1021 O Street, Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA 95814
Dear Governor Gavin Newsom,
As the Assemblymember representing the 30th Assembly District, I humbly request that you, pursuant to the Emergency Services Act, issue a proclamation declaring an emergency in the County of Monterey in response to the ongoing Timber and Plasket Fires. I additionally request that the State provide recovery assistance for emergency costs under the California Disaster Assistance Act and impacted businesses under the Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Declaration.
On Saturday, August 8, 2026, the Timber Fire ignited near Timber Top Trail in the unincorporated area of Big Sur. The true damage from this fire remains incalculable. As of August 27, 2026, the Timber Fire burned 19,296 acres in Monterey County's Big Sur wilderness, is 21% contained, and threatens over 660 structures.
The fire has necessitated a complete shutdown of State Route 1, causing severe impacts to the community, as the Highway is the only ingress and egress for the entirety of the County coastline. Response costs are substantial, encompassing law enforcement, mutual aid, emergency sheltering, Emergency Operations Center activation, and the distribution of critical essential commodities. Evacuations and the damage to local businesses have further caused significant economic losses estimated in the multimillions.
Further south, a new fire broke out in California's Big Sur on August 26, 2026. According to Cal Fire, the "Plaskett Fire" was first reported shortly after 11 a.m. off Forest Rd 23S10, east of Los Burros Rd near the community of Plaskett. As of about 2:15 p.m., the fire has burned 100 acres with 0% containment. It has thus far impacted Monterey County but is anticipated to spread into San Luis Obispo County if it remains uncontained.
I am especially grateful for the swift response from CalFire, first responders and law enforcement, and communication from the Office of Emergency Services. As the damage is being assessed, additional assistance is needed to ensure the safety and eventual recovery of our community.
Sincerely,
Dawn Addis
Assemblymember, 30th District
Dawn Addis was elected to the California State Assembly in 2022 to represent the coastal 30th Assembly District, which includes San Luis Obispo, Monterey, and Santa Cruz Counties. She is the Chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee 1 on Health.
CONTACT: Alexis Garcia-Arrazola, (831) 649-2832