Title
Adopt a resolution to ratify the Proclamation of Local Emergency issued by the County Administrative Officer on August 28, 2026, related to the 2026 Late August Fire Weather and Wildfire Events that started on August 8, 2026, causing two subsequent large fires, resulting in mass evacuations causing conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property nearby (4/5ths vote required). (ADDED VIA ADDENDA)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Adopt a resolution to ratify the Proclamation of Local Emergency issued by the County Administrative Officer on August 28, 2026, related to the 2026 Late August Fire Weather and Wildfire Events that started on August 8, 2026, causing two subsequent large fires, resulting in mass evacuations causing conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property nearby (4/5ths vote required).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Pursuant to California Government Code section 8630(a) and Monterey County Code section 2.68.025, the County Administrative Officer or designee may proclaim the existence of a local emergency when the County is affected by or likely to be affected by a public calamity. The Government Code requires that an emergency proclamation be ratified by the Board of Supervisors within 7 days of its issuance, and be reviewed at least once every 60 days until the emergency is terminated.
TIMBER FIRE
On or about August 8, 2026, a fire began at the Los Padre National Forest, Southeast of Loma Vista, North of California State Route 1 (“Highway 1”) between mile markers 38 and 43, in the Big Sur area, including evacuation zones MRY-F026, MRY-F027, and MRY-F028, commonly referred to as the “Timber Fire”. The County of Monterey issued Evacuation Orders and Evacuation Warnings in the area. As of 1:00 p.m. on August 28, 2026, the Timber Fire grew to 23,343 acres with 21% containment.
PLASKET FIRE
On or about August 26, 2026, a subsequent fire began near Forest Road 23S10, east of Los Burros Road, Plaskett near California State Route 1 (“Highway 1”) commonly referred to as the “Plaskett Fire”. The County of Monterey has issued Evacuation Warnings and Orders in the area. As of 11:00 a.m. on August 28, 2026, the Fire grew to 2,774 acres with an unknown containment.
2026 Late August Weather and Wildfire Events
The Timber and Plasket Fires, jointly referred to as the “2026 Late August Weather and Wildfire Events,” are Emergencies as defined in Government Code section 8558. The Timber and Plasket Fires share the same incident command, same local resources, and are both in close temporary and geographic proximity, the County of Monterey lacks sufficient resources to fight both Fires concurrently.
The aforesaid conditions of extreme peril necessitated the proclamation of a local emergency, which was signed into effect by the County Administrative Officer on August 28, 2026. Ratification and approval of this Proclamation of Local Emergency will provide Board confirmation of, and agreement with, the Proclamation made by the County Administrative Officer. This emergency proclamation shall expire 60 days after issuance unless confirmed and extended by the governing body of the County of Monterey.
The Proclamation further requests the Governor of California to declare the 2026 Late August Weather and Wildfire Events a State Emergency.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Numerous County departments and other state and federal agencies have participated in the response to the emergency including the Department of Emergency Management, Sheriff’s Office, County Administrative Office, Public Works, Facilities, and Parks, and Housing and Community Development.
FINANCING:
Financial impact to the General Fund currently is unknown. The August 28 Proclamation activated the use of $500,000 budgeted for local emergencies in the Board’s latest annual budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
X Well-Being and Quality of Life
X Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
X Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
____ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
Prepared/Approved by: Shane Eben Strong, Deputy County Counsel, x 3558
Attachments: 1 - Emergency Proclamation, dated August 28, 2026
2 - Draft Resolution