As Highway 1 and many businesses in Big Sur reopen to travelers after a 12-day closure, firefighters continue to battle the Timber fire as it persists in canyons to the north and east of the famous coast road.<\/p>\n
Caltrans workers reopened the highway Saturday afternoon as public safety workers continue to make road improvements, Cal Fire said<\/a>. <\/p>\n The fire started Aug. 8 in the Los Padres National Forest southeast of the Loma Vista neighborhood, the cause still under investigation. It quickly scorched 400 acres, prompting evacuation orders, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. As of Sunday morning, it covered more than 9,665 acres, Cal Fire said, estimating 25% containment.<\/p>\n Cal Fire\u2019s update also warned that low overnight humidity<\/a> had allowed the fire to gain strength along its north and northeastern edges. Warm and dry conditions are expected to continue today with variable winds.<\/p>\n Many of the area\u2019s most popular hiking and camping areas, including Andrew Molera State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park<\/a>, remain closed as of Sunday, a California State Parks update said. <\/p>\n Many of the businesses affected by the fire and road closure have a long history in the region.<\/p>\n Nepenthe, known for its legendary clifftop views, has been in operation since 1949 and features a log cabin that is more than a century old. The Alila Ventana Big Sur resort is 51 years old, while the Post Ranch Inn sits on the former homestead of the Post pioneer family who settled in the region in the 1860s.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are absolutely stoked to be reopened and welcoming everyone onto the terrace\u201d overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Nepenthe<\/a> hostess Faith Sassepp said on a phone call as a helicopter roared in the background. The compound\u2019s Phoenix shop also opened Saturday, with Cafe Kevah due to reopen Monday.<\/p>\n The nearby Henry Miller Memorial Library<\/a> reopened Saturday, as did Deetjen\u2019s Big Sur Inn<\/a>, a lodging and restaurant that goes back to the 1930s. <\/p>\n Alila Ventana resort remains closed, a representative said Sunday, citing a goal of reopening by Aug. 30. The Post Ranch Inn is set to reopen on Wednesday and was \u201cunder no imminent threat,\u201d the hotel said on Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n Firefighters continue a battle against the blaze that includes use of helicopter water drops and retardant, Cal Fire said. <\/p>\n Times staff writer Christopher Reynolds contributed to this report.<\/p>\n