Timber Fire passes 4,500 acres, threatens 503 structures in Big Sur as evacuations remain
The Timber Fire has grown to 4,545 acres in Monterey County and remains 7% contained as of Thursday morning, according to CAL FIRE.
Since reaching 3,150 acres earlier Wednesday, the fire has grown by 1,395 acres, or about 44.3%.
In an update Thursday morning, CAL FIRE said that crews on the Timber Fire have completed containment lines on the southern edge from DeAngulo Ridge to Partington Road and along the Coast Ridge Trail toward Highway 1.
Firefighters continued working overnight behind homes east of Highway 1, where the fire has shown little activity for several days. Crews are building handline to create a continuous containment feature.
The fire has crossed the Pine Ridge Trail system and is moving toward the Big Sur River, but remains south of the river. Crews have completed dozer and hand lines in the area to help secure containment.
The eastern side of the fire remained active overnight near Olmstead Mountain. Crews are reopening previously used containment lines and evaluating opportunities to work closer to the fire’s edge. Residents in Carmel Valley and nearby communities may see firefighting equipment moving into the area Friday.
Cooler, wetter conditions are expected along the coastal side of the fire for the next several days, while areas above the marine layer and east of the fire will remain warmer and drier, according to the incident management team.
CAL FIRE reported 503 structures remain threatened. No structures have been reported destroyed or damaged, and no civilian or firefighter injuries or fatalities have been reported.
There will be a community meeting at 5 p.m. on Friday at the Big Sur River Inn. This is an opportunity for the community to meet with firefighters and get updates and have questions answered on the Timber Fire.
The cause of the Timber Fire remains under investigation.
Evacuation orders and warnings
Evacuation orders remain in effect for the following Monterey County zones:
- MRY-F023
- MRY-F025
- MRY-F026
- MRY-F027
- MRY-F028-A
Evacuation warnings remain in effect for:
- MRY-F021-B
- MRY-F022
- MRY-F024
- MRY-F028-B
- MRY-F029
The zones remain consistent with those reported earlier Wednesday.
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.
More than 1,800 personnel assigned to Timber Fire
The number of resources assigned to the Timber Fire has increased significantly as crews continue suppression and structure-protection operations.
As of CAL FIRE's Thursday morning update, 1,842 personnel were assigned to the incident.
Resources include 181 engines, 41 hand crews, 30 dozers, 24 water tenders and eight helicopters. CAL FIRE also listed 302 other personnel or resources assigned to the incident.
Numerous firefighting air tankers from across California are also flying suppression missions as conditions allow.
Timber Fire growth
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, it had reached 3,150 acres.
At 11:44 a.m. Wednesday, CAL FIRE reported the fire had grown to 3,774 acres and was 7% contained. By the 7:52 p.m. update, the fire had reached 4,044 acres, with containment remaining at 7%.
As of Thursday morning, the fire had grown to 4,545 acres and remained 7% contained.
That means the fire has grown by 1,556 acres, or about 52.1%, since the 2,989-acre estimate Tuesday evening.
Highway 1 closed in Big Sur amid Timber Fire
Highway 1 remains closed to the public in the Big Sur area amid the Timber Fire and ongoing evacuations.
At 5:55 p.m. Wednesday, officials announced that the northern closure had been adjusted to milepost 45.1 near Big Sur Bakery and the Big Sur Post Office.
The southern closure remained unchanged and had previously been reported near mile marker 37 at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
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.
Weather conditions
Evacuation resources at Carmel Middle School
The Temporary Evacuation Point for people affected by the Timber Fire remains at Carmel Middle School.
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.
This is a developing story. St
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