Timber Fire passes 19,000 acres in Big Sur as Highway 1 closure planned
The Timber Fire has grown to 19,296 acres and is 21% contained in Monterey County as of Thursday morning, according to CAL FIRE.
That is an increase of 2,928 acres, or approximately 17.9%, from the 16,368 acres reported Tuesday night.
Highway 1 closure planned
Highway 1 is scheduled to close Thursday at 1 p.m. between Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn and Andrew Molera State Park.
The closure is connected to U.S. Forest Service backburning operations planned near Highway 1 and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park beginning Thursday or Friday.
Caltrans will evaluate and clear potential hazards before reopening the road.
Evacuation changes
The following evacuation changes will take effect Thursday, Aug. 27, at 1 p.m. Residents should check the map for their specific evacuation zone.
The following zones will be upgraded to evacuation orders:
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Evacuation warnings will be issued for:
The following zones will be placed under shelter-in-place orders:
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A shelter-in-place order is a temporary protective measure intended to allow active firefighting and backburning operations. It does not mean the wildfire is no longer dangerous.
Residents who remain in evacuation order or shelter-in-place areas will have restricted access due to their proximity to Highway 1.
Residents who stay should be prepared to:
Sustain themselves for up to seven days.Have enough food, water, medications, generator fuel and other essential supplies.Stay off the roadways and not attempt to travel through or return to closed areas.Leave before 1 p.m. Thursday if they cannot remain self-sufficient for seven days.
According to CAL FIRE’s evacuation map, current orders remain in effect for:
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Current evacuation warnings are in effect for:
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The Timber Fire pushed east and north deep into the Ventana Wilderness overnight, crossing Ventana Creek and making runs through the Lion Creek and Big Sur River drainages, according to CAL FIRE.
The fire continues to torch, back and change direction on slopes. Long-range spotting of up to two miles has also been observed.
Ground crews quickly contained a spot fire that breached a control line overnight. Firefighters continue to monitor the area using infrared-equipped uncrewed aerial systems.
Firing operations are also underway to remove unburned fuel between the fire and containment lines.
Weather conditions
Critical fire weather remains the primary driver of the fire, with the incident entering its 10th consecutive day of relative humidity below 30%. Overnight humidity recoveries have remained in the upper teens, while temperatures have been near 80 degrees.
The marine layer is expected to clear around 10 a.m. Thursday. Downdrafts and wind gusts of up to 25 mph are possible between 1 and 4 p.m.
Slightly higher overnight humidity and cooler temperatures are expected Thursday night, which could provide some relief.
Additional information
The Tassajara Zen Mountain Center remains 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.
The fire is threatening 661 structures. CAL FIRE reports 1,228 personnel assigned to the incident, along with 87 engines, 30 hand crews, 14 helicopters, 13 dozers and 20 water tenders.
The fire started Aug. 8 southeast of Loma Vista. Its cause remains under investigation.