Timber Fire grows past 12,000 acres as flames push into Ventana Wilderness; evacuations remain
Timber fire grows to over 12,000 acres; evacuation orders and warnings expanded
The Timber Fire has grown to 12,616 acres in Monterey County and remains 25% contained as of Monday morning, according to CAL FIRE.
The fire continues to burn into the Los Padres National Forest. On the northern and eastern portions of the fire, where activity has recently increased, the flames have merged and contributed to the growth in acreage within the Ventana Wilderness.
The fire has reached partway up Island Mountain and slowly backed down a drainage overnight. Fire activity is expected to move upcanyon through the Lion Creek drainage toward Ventana Double Cone and the upper Carmel River basin.
The fire is holding at Logwood Ridge, where firefighters are preparing for firing operations along Coast Ridge Road. Due to the steep and rugged terrain, aircraft will be available Monday to support crews with water and retardant drops.
To the south, firefighters continue addressing hot spots in the Torre Canyon area from firing operations conducted last week. Crews are also mopping up and removing equipment along the coastal side of the fire.
Firefighters will continue strengthening contingency lines north and south of the fire.
Evacuation orders and warnings were modified Sunday and now cover a large section of the Los Padres National Forest east of Big Sur Village.
Evacuation orders are in place for:
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Evacuation warnings are in place for:
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The warnings include a section of the coast along Highway 1 stretching from the Big Creek Reserve Gate Cabin north to Andrew Molera State Park, a distance of more than 40 miles.
Highway 1 remains open, but portions of the highway are within evacuation warning areas. Drivers are urged to use caution or consider alternate routes.
Evacuation warnings have also moved closer to the southern portion of Carmel Valley Road. The roadway itself is not under an evacuation warning, but one of the newest warning areas is several miles away near Piney Creek Road.
The Tassajara Zen Mountain Center is now within an evacuation order area. The center canceled the remainder of its guest season and began evacuating students because of smoke and worsening air quality in the valley.
High clouds, slightly lower temperatures and a marginally deeper marine layer are expected Monday. Those conditions could lead to slightly less fire activity, although overnight humidity recovery is expected to remain poor because of continued drying.
Wind direction will depend on the terrain.
A total of 1,368 personnel are assigned to the fire, including 81 engines, 28 hand crews, 10 dozers, 15 water tenders and 14 helicopters.
The fire started Aug. 8 southeast of Loma Vista. Its cause remains under investigation.
CAL FIRE reports that 661 structures are threatened.