Firefighters made steady progress on the two wildfires burning along the Big Sur coast, with containment on the Plaskett Fire doubling over the weekend.

In total, the Plaskett and Timber fires have burned 55,219 acres, according to Cal Fire’s latest numbers.

The Plaskett Fire, which ignited on Aug. 26 near Gorda, had burned 29,862 acres as of Monday morning — but the wildfire’s containment had risen by 18% over Labor Day weekend, reaching 37% containment as of Monday morning.

Cal Fire’s incident update page said that favorable weather in the Big Sur area has helped support progress on control-line construction and perimeter security on the Plaskett Fire.

“Crews continue strengthening direct and indirect control lines, with strategic firing operations and aviation support helping improve containment,” it said.

“Steep, rugged terrain and limited access remain ongoing operational challenges, and structure defense and protection of critical infrastructure remain top priorities.”

On Cal Fire’s morning report, Chief Scott Grasmick said that containment efforts were especially looking good on the west side of the fire, ranging from Alder Creek to Willow Creek Road near Highway 1, and Plaskett Creek.

“That’s all holding up really, really good,” he said.

Looking ahead, Cal Fire said its operations will continue to focus on Plaskett’s control lines while, simultaneously, addressing the remaining heat on the Timber Fire, which had reached 25,357 acres and was at 27% containment, a number that’s remained stable over the past few days.

What makes these wildfires tough to fight is the rugged terrain, Cal Fire said on the Timber Fire’s incident update page.

“The fire remains active, with crews continuing suppression and mop-up operations in steep, difficult-to-access terrain,” it said.

“Operational priorities remain focused on securing established control lines, addressing remaining heat, and protecting the Highway 1 corridor and surrounding communities.”

Cal fire’s upper-hand on the Timber Fire has allowed closed portions of Highway 1 to reopen, allowing drivers to access the highway from just south of Little Sur River to just south of Big Sur Post Office, according to Caltrans.

A portion of Highway 1 still remains closed due to the Plaskett Fire, Cal Fire’s website said — ranging from mile marker 19 at Kirk Creek Campground to mile market 0.0 at the Monterey/San Luis Obispo County line.