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
