By Ricardo Tovar
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MONTEREY COUNTY (KSBW) — The Timber Fire has grown to 3,150 acres in Monterey County and remains 5% contained Wednesday morning after flames remained active overnight at higher elevations above the fog line.
Fire activity surged early Wednesday around Partington Ridge and Coast Ridge Road along the southern edge of the fire. The U.S. Forest Service — Los Padres National Forest said flames continued backing toward Highway 1 as firefighters worked to protect nearby homes and strengthen containment lines.
The fire grew by about 160 acres from the 2,989 acres reported Tuesday evening.
On the west side near Partington Ridge, dozer operators and ground crews built containment line toward Highway 1. Crews also mopped up hot spots and conducted tactical patrols around homes. Near Ventana, firefighters continued mopping up around structures and completing hand line.
Rolling debris and embers along Coast Ridge Road sparked spot fires, but firefighters were able to contain them with aggressive suppression efforts, according to the Forest Service.
On the northern flank, bulldozers began cutting line along a ridgeline toward Highway 1 and the Big Sur River. The eastern side of the fire remains active in wilderness areas, where crews are looking for safe opportunities to engage the flames.
Overnight activity increased above 1,000 feet on the western flank. Hotshot crews are working through steep terrain and heavy vegetation to establish containment lines as conditions allow, while firefighters continue prioritizing structure protection east of Highway 1 from Ventana south to Partington Road.
CAL FIRE reported 503 structures threatened in its latest incident update. No structures have been reported damaged or destroyed, and no civilian or firefighter injuries or fatalities have been reported.
More than 900 personnel remain assigned to the fire. CAL FIRE reported 904 personnel, 36 engines, 26 hand crews, seven dozers, six helicopters and six water tenders assigned to the incident. Air tankers from across California are also supporting suppression efforts as conditions allow.
Firefighters have been working to build containment lines along the Highway 1 corridor, with ground crews navigating difficult terrain and aircraft supporting them with water and retardant drops. A major focus remains protecting nearby homes and preventing the fire from crossing Highway 1.
Officials had warned that areas above 1,800 feet would remain above the inversion layer overnight, resulting in drier conditions that could keep the fire active. Lower elevations, including areas along the Highway 1 corridor, experienced cooler and more humid conditions.
Weather conditions could become more challenging Wednesday afternoon and evening. There is a 15% to 20% chance of thunderstorms moving into the fire area, which could bring strong, erratic winds and unstable conditions. Elevated fire weather conditions are possible, though conditions are expected to vary significantly across the fire area depending on location.
The cause of the Timber Fire remains under investigation.
Evacuation orders and warnings Evacuation orders remain in effect for 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.
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 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 3,150 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.
The fire reached 2,000 acres Tuesday morning and grew to 2,989 acres by Tuesday evening. By Wednesday morning, the fire had reached 3,150 acres. Containment remains at 5%.
The U.S. Forest Service 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.
Fire officials said the fire remained active overnight into Wednesday at higher elevations above the fog line. Flames moved up steep hillsides and ignited individual trees while other portions of the fire slowly crept downhill.
Crews continue 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 closed in Big Sur amid Timber Fire Highway 1 remains closed to the public along part of the Big Sur area amid the Timber Fire and ongoing evacuations, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The highway is closed on the north side at 47200 Highway 1, near Fernwood Resort, and on the south side at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Vista Point near mile marker 37. The closure covers approximately 10 miles of Highway 1.
CHP is asking drivers to avoid the area and follow all evacuation orders and instructions from emergency personnel.
Drivers should use caution and leave roads clear for first responders, emergency personnel and evacuees. Officials said additional updates will be provided as conditions change.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions could make firefighting more challenging Wednesday afternoon and evening. Officials said there is a 15% to 20% chance of thunderstorms moving into the fire area, potentially bringing strong, erratic winds and unstable conditions. Elevated fire weather conditions are possible, though conditions could vary significantly across the fire depending on location.
Evacuation resources at Carmel Middle School The Temporary Evacuation Point and evacuation shelter for people affected by the Timber Fire are located at Carmel Middle School, giving evacuees a centralized location to receive incident information, resource referrals and assistance.
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.
Discounted hotel rates for Timber Fire evacuees Hotels and lodging properties in Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties are offering special evacuation rates for residents and visitors displaced by the fire. A list of participating properties and their contact information is available on the Community Connections page.
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