Timber Fire nears 25,000 acres, remains 21% contained in Big Sur
The Timber Fire has grown to 24,601 acres in Monterey County and remains 21% contained, according to a Saturday afternoon update from CAL FIRE.
That is an increase of 1,258 acres, or about 5.4%, from the 23,343 acres reported Friday morning.
The fire has grown by 8,233 acres, or about 50.3%, since Tuesday night, when it was reported at 16,368 acres.
Highway 1 closure
Highway 1 remains closed from south of the Little Sur River at Mile Marker 56 to south of Salmon Creek at Mile Marker 2.1.
The closure covers nearly 54 miles and will remain in place until further notice. There is no estimated time for the highway to reopen.
The road remains closed because of falling rocks, rolling debris and trees weakened by the fire. Crews are continuing to assess road conditions to determine when it will be safe to reopen.
Evacuation orders and warnings
Residents should check the map for their specific evacuation zone.
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Current evacuation orders are in effect for:
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Current evacuation warnings are in effect for:
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Shelter-in-place orders are in effect for:
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An evacuation order means there is an immediate danger to life and residents must leave. A warning means there could be a danger to life or property. People who need more time to evacuate should leave now.
People under shelter-in-place orders who remain in the area should be prepared to live without outside help for at least seven days. Anyone who cannot remain self-sufficient should leave immediately.
Residents should have food, water, medications, fuel for generators and other essential supplies. They should also stay off closed roads and avoid areas where firefighters are working.
Fire activity and firefighting efforts
Firefighters are working to safely reach the Higuerra Creek area after the fire crossed established fire lines and moved into difficult terrain.
Along Highway 1, planned burning operations are complete. Ground crews are patrolling the area, putting out hot spots and strengthening fire lines.
Some unburned vegetation inside the fire perimeter is still burning and producing smoke. Firefighters are monitoring those areas to make sure the flames do not break through containment lines.
Helicopters and water drops will continue supporting firefighters on the ground as conditions allow.
Fire crews are also working with local environmental experts to protect sensitive areas, including archaeological and cultural sites, native plants, waterways and wildlife habitats. Those experts are helping crews avoid damaging water sources with fuel or fire retardant.
Across the fire area, firefighters are connecting bulldozer lines, hand-dug trenches and roads to create stronger, continuous fire lines.
Evacuation center
A shelter is open at the Carmel Mission Inn Conference Room, 3665 Rio Road in Carmel.
For evacuation assistance, call the virtual Temporary Emergency Evacuation Point hotline at 831-647-7760.
Additional information
The Tassajara Zen Mountain Center remains under an evacuation order. The center canceled the rest of its guest season and began evacuating students because of smoke and worsening air quality.
The fire is threatening 661 structures. CAL FIRE reports 1,600 personnel assigned to the incident, along with 123 engines, 35 hand crews, 14 helicopters, 36 dozers and 34 water tenders.
The Timber Fire started Aug. 8 southeast of Loma Vista. Its cause remains under investigation.