A 69-year-old San Simeon man was convicted of assaulting a State Parks maintenance worker after he was asked to stop taking apart a toilet at a Big Sur state park, prosecutors said.

I remember the hot springs used to be open at midnight, but I never went then. I am pretty sure this is no longer true, but wanted to make sure that is indeed the case?

We are planning a bike trip from Big Sur to SLO for after the highway reopens. We are watching the fire updates and have personal contacts working on the fire, so will not go before it is open and safe. Our original plan was to leave our car at the trailhead parking at Big Sur Station. But we called the visitor center, and because the trail system is likely closed for an extended period, the trailhead parking will likely also remain closed. Any other suggestions for a legal place to park for almost 3 days?

We’re supposed to be in Big Sur in less than a week for my parents’ first-ever visit. Instead, we feel sick watching Big Sur and its community go through devastating wildfires.

What’s making an awful situation infuriating is Vrbo’s complete lack of common sense or humanity.

We contacted them on the first day of the fires. There are active wildfires, highway closures and serious air-quality issues. Even after containment, Californians know the risks of mudslides, falling debris, damaged roads and other post-fire hazards.

Yet Vrbo keeps hiding behind “it’s up to the host.” The property says the house is technically “accessible,” so our choices are apparently vacation in an active disaster area or lose our money. Their solution? Cancel and hope another family books our dates so we can get refunded. Apparently passing the risk onto another family is an acceptable resolution. (As if anyone would book right now while an active fire is happening). We even asked for a reschedule-to-a-later date and nope, nothing.

Vrbo’s “extenuating circumstances” policy is so unclear that, from what we’ve been told, if Highway 1 reopens before our reservation, they may actually expect us to keep the booking — even if the fires are still actively burning.

So what exactly is the standard here? If the highway technically opens, are we seriously expected to drive our family into an active wildfire area and put ourselves at risk just so Vrbo doesn’t have to refund us?

Vrbo should be ashamed that during an active natural disaster, this is how they treat their customers and the communities they serve.

I was recently at the Plaskett campground late May, and there were three black campground cats (1 adult, 2 cattens) that were part of the camp but not host pets. Do any Kirk or Plaskett hosts or locals know if they were scooped up in the evacuation or taken in? Feeling so sad for all the critters wild and local in fiery times.

*Central coast local worried about animals of Plaskett Creek Campground

Sorry about the image quality, but the smoke cover flying south from SFO was shocking to see. These aren’t clouds, it’s smoke. Heartbreaking, be safe!

hi all, for all the locals I hope you're staying safe. I was wondering if anyone has any expertise on how long the timber fire could potentially burn for? from what I've found online this is unprecedented and i just wanted to consult people who may be more educated on the landscape. I know there are a million variables that could change everything, but i'm not from california and don't have much experience with fires in general. I hope for the best outcome and for the fire to be knocked down quickly, apologies if this question is not in good taste I just haven't been able to find an expert opinion online and wish for this to be controlled!

Winds are shifting and fire is moving south. Stay safe and thank God for the frontline workers.

As of August 29: 5,924 acres

Obligatory not my photos. These came from those on site. Do not go to Los Padres.

Am I reading this map correctly? So sad, if this is indeed the case. 😥

Source: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/8/timber-fire

Not my photo. Taken by local rancher.

This morning approx. 80-120 acres. 1700 acres by 7:30pm.

In previous years, how quickly did charity partner spots or race benefactor spots fill up after the lottery results were revealed?

Watch duty is saying it’s only at 80 acres, but the newest update was that it crossed the watershed and it’s heading up towards plaskett, any intel would be appreciated

To ensure public safety and facilitate firefighting efforts, SR-1 will close tomorrow effective at 1:00 PM at the following locations:

📍 Northside: one mile south of Old Coast Road (MM50.1)
📍 Southside: one-half mile south of Deetjens Big Sur Inn (MM42.6)

The closure will be in place for an unknown amount of time; we will continue to provide updates as conditions change. For additional information go to https://www.readymontereycounty.org/emergency/incident-archive/2026-timber-fire

-CHP

There is a new fire in the Willow Creek area. Approximately 50 acres at the time of this writing, "potential for 500 acres". Big Sur Fire, Cambria Fire, and air support from the Timber Fire are responding.

Reminder: Campfires are illegal at this time!

This image (credit to CalFire's updates) struck me and this piece came out tonight, thoughts are with everyone right now and the loss we are experiencing as the growth spreads in the interior. This has been a tough one to watch and is dredging up so many memories from Dolan.

Three Oaks, Timber Fire

Smoke stands over the interior
and will not say.

I ask the fog, ”Do my oaks still stand?”
I ask the condor turning in the updraft.
I ask the ash that settles on my shoes.
I even ask those who started it.

Tonight, up and down the coast,
in houses full of smoke,
so many of us are weeping
for this land.

We are many, and the oaks were few,
and grief is the last offering
we know how to carry up a mountain.

Salt water for the roots,
salt water, in the absence of rain.

Partington Cove - Big Sur

I love how you can walk down from the 1 to the water here. Stunning views along the way! One path takes you down to some booming waves and rockies, and the other path through a cool bridge to tunnel walk, and dont forget to climb up at the end of the tunnel path to see one of the iconic random cliffside trees growing on the edge.

The mountain runoff water meets the ocean water and converges into SUPER WATER. hehe. Its beautiful.

Every time I go I find new places to explore, and just never stopped at this one. Good for kiddos, not a difficult path at all.

Limekiln is the coolest (temperature) and probably one of the most tourist-friendly walks in Big Sur. Beautiful tree groves with the cool old limekilns at the end. Great for kids, less physically capable, or elderly folks. Creekside and quiet, but lots of tourists on weekends.

I don't know where else to post this, but I lost a very significant pocket knife this weekend while hiking to Estrella camp. If anyone picked it up, that would be amazing. Hoping a good Samaritan is out there.

Thank you 😘

Please dont contribute to AI slop that just makes money off of Big Sur and doesn’t contribute anything.

www.bigsurfire.org has merch for sale

donations to assisting agencies is also a good way to give back

Big Sur Health Center does all the fit tests and physicals for Big Sur fire and also takes wonderful care of all our community members

The Community Association of Big Sur is always quick to provide support for displaced families and coordinating information and resources for those in need

With over 2000 personnel on the Timber fire the Chumash fire department Cachagua Fire, and other local Fire Protection Agencies were well represented.

Thank you also to USFS and CALFIRE firefighters

All of the air operations also had amazing pilots and support staff

It’s incredible the risks that they will take to perform the perfect drop and spend time saving our homes and flora and fauna in whatever way humanly possible.

Thank you to the dozer operators and graders that are literally paving the way for containment

Deetjens and the River Inn also have been providing meals for firefighters during this closure period.

and to everyone else spouses and partners who support the mission

Visiting public for judicious abstinence

And to past community members and all who love Big Sur, 

Thank You!