Some evacuation orders in Monterey County were downgraded to warnings Thursday morning as crews continue battling to contain the massive Plaskett and Timber fires.

In a statement around 6 a.m., the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said that evacuation orders were downgraded to warnings in zones MRY-F016, MRY-F017, MRY-F022, MRY-F023-A and MRY-F025.

Shelter-in-place orders issued on Aug. 27 were also updated to evacuation warnings for zones MRY-F018, MRY-F019, MRY-F021-A, MRY-F021-B, MRY-F024, MRY-F026 and MRY-F027-A.

Residents under evacuation warnings are advised to be ready to leave if conditions worsen. The Sheriff’s Office urged people to pack essential items, prepare a go-bag and make arrangements for pets, large animals and anyone who may need extra time or assistance to evacuate.

A highway patrol vehicle enforces a road closure barricade on Highway 1 near the Timber Fire on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. Highway 1 reopened Thursday at 6 a.m. between mile markers 56 and 45, while a section from Pacific Valley to the county line remains closed to support public safety and firefighting efforts. (Cal Fire via Bay City News)

Meanwhile, state Highway 1 reopened Thursday at 6 a.m. between mile markers 56 and 45. However, the California Highway Patrol is maintaining a hard closure from mile marker 16 at Pacific Valley to mile marker 0 at the county line to support public safety and firefighting efforts.

Caltrans said crews will continue evaluating and clearing potential hazards before reopening the remaining section near the Plaskett Fire.