Timber Fire grows to 2,000 acres, threatens 259 structures in Big Sur
The Timber Fire has grown to 2,000 acres in Monterey County and remains 5% contained Tuesday morning as firefighters work to protect hundreds of threatened structures in the Big Sur area.
CAL FIRE reported the fire at 2,000 acres and 5% containment in a Tuesday morning incident update. A total of 259 structures are threatened.
The fire had grown to 1,723 acres by Monday afternoon.
Overnight, the northern and eastern portions of the fire remained active, with most of the activity occurring above the marine layer. Firefighters observed individual trees torching and areas of fire making uphill runs.
Despite the overnight activity, officials said the fire continues to hold on the east side of Highway 1.
Firefighters continued structure protection efforts, primarily near Highway 1 in the Ventana area. Crews cleared brush and other potential fuels around properties, established water systems and worked to secure access for firefighters and equipment.
A heavy marine layer limited nighttime helicopter operations because crews could not safely access water dip sites beneath it. Firefighters are working Tuesday to establish a water dip site above the inversion layer to support aerial operations.
Nearly 500 personnel are assigned to the fire. CAL FIRE reported 480 personnel, 36 engines, 13 hand crews, 8 helicopters, 7 water tenders, and 5 dozers assigned to the incident. Air tankers from across California are also available for suppression missions as conditions allow.
Warmer and drier conditions are expected over the eastern portions of the fire through early to mid-week. Fire officials said there is also a 15% chance of showers and thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon and evening.
Evacuation orders and warnings
Evacuation orders remain in effect for zones MRY-F025, MRY-F026, MRY-F027 and part of MRY-F028. The evacuation order includes the Ventana Inn.
Evacuation warnings remain in effect for zones MRY-F023, MRY-F024 and part of MRY-F028.
An evacuation order means people should leave the affected area because of an immediate threat to life and property. Officials are urging residents in evacuation order zones to take their families, pets, and emergency supply kits, and to consider bringing essential documents and records.
People in evacuation warning zones should prepare to leave in case an evacuation order follows. Officials recommend packing a go-bag, gathering essential items and making arrangements for pets and large animals. People who need additional time or assistance to evacuate should also prepare now.
Residents can find the latest evacuation information through Alert Monterey County at alertmry.org/alerts.
Timber Fire grows to 2,000 acres
The Timber Fire has continued to grow since it started over the weekend. CAL FIRE reported the fire at 180 acres Sunday before it grew to 400 acres Sunday evening, doubled to 800 acres by Monday morning and reached 1,723 acres Monday afternoon. By Tuesday morning, the fire had reached 2,000 acres.
Containment remains at 5%.
The U.S. Forest Service, which is the lead agency on the fire, said the Timber Fire started around 9:38 p.m. Saturday.
The fire is burning southeast of Loma Vista in the Los Padres National Forest.
Firefighters have faced steep, rugged terrain that has made accessing the fire and carrying out suppression efforts difficult.
“The fire is burning in steep, rugged, and difficult terrain, which continues to hamper firefighter access and suppression efforts,” the U.S. Forest Service said Monday morning.
Fire officials said Monday night that the fire was moving at a slow rate of spread and burning primarily along the ground through grass, brush and oak woodland. Officials said it had not moved into the treetops.
Ground crews are working to build containment lines and gain access to difficult terrain while aircraft support firefighters with water and retardant drops.
Protecting nearby homes and preventing the fire from crossing Highway 1 remain major priorities for crews.
The cause of the Timber Fire remains under investigation.
Highway 1 open, motorists urged to avoid area
State Route 1 remains open in the Big Sur area amid the Timber Fire, according to the latest update from officials.
Motorists are highly encouraged to avoid the area and follow all evacuation orders and instructions from emergency personnel.
Officials have not clarified an earlier report that Highway 1 was closed to the public between Point Sur Lighthouse and Partington Canyon or whether conditions changed after that report.
Drivers should watch for increased emergency vehicle traffic along Highway 1 and stay clear of active firefighting operations.
Evacuation resources consolidated at Carmel Middle School
The County of Monterey said the Temporary Evacuation Point for people affected by the Timber Fire will move to Carmel Middle School at 9 a.m. Tuesday.
The Temporary Evacuation Point will be co-located with the evacuation shelter already operating at the school, giving evacuees one location to receive incident information, resource referrals and assistance coordinating their next steps.
Carmel Middle School is located at 4380 Carmel Valley Road in Carmel.
The county opened the evacuation shelter Monday in collaboration with the American Red Cross for people displaced by the Timber Fire.
Evacuees have access to food, drinking water, cots, blankets and comfort kits. American Red Cross and Monterey County shelter personnel are available to assist.
The SPCA for Monterey County is also assisting evacuees with pets.
Residents evacuating with animals are encouraged to bring their pets, along with pet food, medications, leashes, carriers and other essential supplies when possible.
The shelter is expected to remain open until evacuation orders associated with the Timber Fire are lifted and residents can safely return home.