The Timber Fire in Monterey County has expanded to 4,545 acres and remains 7% contained, according to a Thursday morning update from CAL FIRE. The blaze threatens 503 structures, while 1,842 personnel have been assigned to the incident alongside Highway 1 closures and active evacuation orders.
Timber Fire Growth and Containment Efforts
Since reaching 3,150 acres earlier Wednesday, the fire grew by 1,395 acres, or about 44.3%. Containment lines on the southern boundary spanning from DeAngulo Ridge to Partington Road, along with stretches along the Coast Ridge Trail extending toward Highway 1, have now been successfully finished by personnel on the Timber Fire, as announced by CAL FIRE. Throughout the night, firefighters pushed forward with handline construction behind residences east of Highway 1—where the blaze has displayed minimal movement over the past several days—in order to establish an unbroken barrier for containment. The fire has crossed the Pine Ridge Trail system and is moving toward the Big Sur River while remaining south of the river, with dozer and hand lines completed in the area.
The eastern side of the fire remained active overnight near Olmstead Mountain, where crews are reopening previously used containment lines. Over the next several days, the coastal side of the blaze is anticipated to experience cooler and moister weather conditions, whereas locations past the marine layer and on the eastern flank will persist in being drier and warmer, based on details shared by the incident management team. CAL FIRE reported 503 structures remain threatened, with no structures reported destroyed or damaged and no civilian or firefighter injuries or fatalities.
Did You Know? The Timber Fire started over the weekend as a smaller incident, reported at just 180 acres Sunday before doubling to 800 acres by Monday morning and steadily climbing through the week.
Evacuation Orders, Warnings, and Highway Closures
Evacuation orders remain in effect for Monterey County zones MRY-F023, MRY-F025, MRY-F026, MRY-F027, and MRY-F028-A. Evacuation warnings remain in effect for zones MRY-F021-B, MRY-F022, MRY-F024, MRY-F028-B, and MRY-F029. Officials urge residents in evacuation order zones to leave immediately due to an immediate threat to life and property, while those in warning zones should prepare to leave. Highway 1 remains closed to the public in the Big Sur area, with the northern closure adjusted to milepost 45.1 near Big Sur Bakery and the Big Sur Post Office, and the southern closure remaining near mile marker 37 at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, according to official updates.
A Temporary Evacuation Point remains open at Carmel Middle School, located at 4380 Carmel Valley Road in Carmel, providing food, drinking water, cots, blankets, and comfort kits in collaboration with the American Red Cross and the SPCA for Monterey County. Additionally, hotels and lodging properties in Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties are offering special evacuation rates for displaced residents and visitors.
Firefighting Resources and Community Updates
Resources assigned to the incident include 181 engines, 41 hand crews, 30 dozers, 24 water tenders, eight helicopters, and 302 other personnel, bringing total assigned personnel to 1,842, according to CAL FIRE. Numerous firefighting air tankers from across California are also flying suppression missions as conditions allow. A community meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Friday at the Big Sur River Inn to provide updates and answer questions, while the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current size and containment of the Timber Fire?
As of Thursday morning, CAL FIRE data indicates that the Timber Fire has expanded across 4,545 acres within Monterey County, maintaining a containment level of 7%.
Which evacuation zones are currently affected?
Evacuation orders are in effect for zones MRY-F023, MRY-F025, MRY-F026, MRY-F027, and MRY-F028-A, while warnings remain in effect for MRY-F021-B, MRY-F022, MRY-F024, MRY-F028-B, and MRY-F029.
Where can evacuees find shelter and assistance?
A Temporary Evacuation Point is operating at Carmel Middle School at 4380 Carmel Valley Road, offering shelter, supplies, and assistance for pets through the SPCA for Monterey County.
What specific weather factors are complicating firefighting efforts across the different zones of the Timber Fire?
Worth a look