Raging Plaskett Fire Burning Across California Ridge

Official UAS reconnaissance captured the Plaskett Fire burning across a ridgeline in the Los Padres National Forest on August 31, 2026.

The nighttime footage shows continuous ground fire beneath a tree line, with heavy smoke rising above the slope. A Type 3/6 engine and another vehicle with headlights were visible along the dirt tracks as the low flame line moved through the brush.

A UAS controller displayed a thermal/IR map with a red heat ribbon, the date “Mon, Aug 31,” “ACTIVE – POSCTL,” and a map inset labeled “Dip.” The aircraft’s green, red and white navigation lights were also visible in the dark sky.

At one point, a single tree torching sent flames into a tall column while the rest of the slope remained covered by a lower line of fire.

The Plaskett Fire started on August 26, 2026, and its cause remains under investigation. The fire was burning south of Big Sur, east of Plaskett and Los Burros Road, toward Fort Hunter Liggett.

The August 31 evening update listed the fire at 26,734 acres and 1% contained, with 955 personnel assigned. Growth was mainly east into Fort Hunter Liggett, where there had been no fire in more than 50 years. Structure defense was underway on Los Burros Road, with night operations planned.

UAS aircraft were being used for heat detection and nighttime reconnaissance. The coordinates shown in the HUD were approximately 35°58′ N, 121°26′ W, with the aircraft at about 710 feet AGL.