Timber Fire passes 25,000 acres as Highway 1 stays closed in Big Sur
The Timber Fire has grown to 25,223 acres in Monterey County and increased to 22% contained, according to a Tuesday update from CAL FIRE.
The fire started Aug. 8 southeast of Loma Vista. Its cause remains under investigation.
The fire remained active overnight Monday in steep, rugged terrain, making it difficult for firefighters and equipment to access some areas. Ground crews are reinforcing existing containment lines, checking areas where controlled burns were conducted, extinguishing hot spots and protecting the Highway 1 corridor.
Firefighters are also building backup containment lines along Coast Ridge Road and nearby ridgelines in case primary lines do not hold. Aircraft are on standby to assist when smoke and weather conditions allow.
The fire continues to pose a threat to Big Sur, nearby communities, roads, utilities, cultural sites and natural areas. The incident is being managed by California Interagency Incident Management Team 3.
Highway 1 closure
Highway 1 is closed for both fires in the Big Sur area starting at Mile Marker 56, just south of the Little Sur River, south to Mile Marker 0.9, just north of the San Luis Obispo County line.
There is no estimated time for when the highway will reopen. The closure affects nearly the entire Big Sur coastline.
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.
Evacuation center
Shelters for Timber and Plaskett fire evacuees are open at:
Carmel Mission Inn Conference Room, 3665 Rio Road, CarmelCambria Veterans Memorial Building, 1000 Main St., Cambria
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.
The latest incident information lists 1,600 personnel assigned to the fire, including 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.