Timber Fire passes 19,000 acres in Big Sur as Highway 1 closure planned. The Timber Fire has grown to 19,296 acres and is 21% contained in Monterey County as of Thursday morning, according to CAL FIRE. That’s an increase of 2,928 acres, or about 17.9%, from the 16,368 acres reported Tuesday night. Planned Highway 1 Closure Highway 1 is scheduled to close Thursday at 1 pm between Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn and Andrew Molera State Park. The closure is related to planned U.S. Forest Service secondary burning operations near Highway 1 and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park beginning Thursday or Friday. Caltrans will evaluate and eliminate potential hazards before reopening the highway. Evacuation Changes The following evacuation changes will go into effect on Thursday, August 27 at 1 pm Residents should consult the map of their specific evacuation zone. The following areas will be upgraded to evacuation orders: MRY-F022MRY-F023-AMRY-F025 Evacuation warnings will be issued for: The following areas will be placed under shelter-in-place orders:MRY-F021-AMRY-F021-BMRY-F024MRY-F026MRY-F027-AA The shelter-in-place order is a temporary protective measure intended to allow active firefighting operations of fires and burning. This does not mean that the wildfire is no longer dangerous. Residents remaining under evacuation order or in shelter-in-place areas will have restricted access due to their proximity to Highway 1. Residents staying should be prepared to: Stay for up to seven days. Have enough food, water, medicine, fuel for generators, and other essential supplies. Stay off roads and do not attempt to travel through or return to closed areas. Please leave by 1pm on Thursday if you are unable to remain self-sufficient for seven days. days. According to CAL FIRE’s evacuation map, current orders remain in effect for: MRY-D082MRY-D089MRY-D090MRY-D091MRY-F015-CMRY-F028-BMRY-F028-CMRY-F029MRY-F031-A Current evacuation warnings are in effect For:MRY-D078MRY-D084MRY-D085MRY-D086MRY-D088MRY-F015-BMRY-F021-BMRY-F022MRY-F023MRY-F024MRY-F025MRY -F026MRY-F027-AMRY-F027-BMRY-F028-AMRY-F028-DMRY-F030-AMRY-F030-BMRY-F031-BMRY-F032-AMRY-F032-BFire activity and firefighting efforts The Timber Fire moved east and north into the Ventana Wilderness overnight, crossing Ventana Creek and advancing through from the Lion Creek and Big Sur River drainages, according to CAL FIRE. The fire continues to rage, retreat and change direction on the slopes. Long range sightings of up to two miles have also been observed. Ground crews quickly contained a spot fire that crossed a control line overnight. Firefighters continue to monitor the area using infrared-equipped unmanned aerial systems. Firing operations are also underway to remove unburned fuel between the containment lines and the fire. Weather Conditions Critical weather remains the primary driver of the fire, with the incident entering its 10th consecutive day with relative humidity below 30%. Overnight humidity recoveries have remained in the upper 10s, while temperatures have been near 80 degrees. The marine layer is expected to clear around 10 a.m. Thursday. Downdrafts and wind gusts up to 25 mph are possible between 1 and 4 pm. Slightly higher humidity is expected overnight and cooler temperatures are expected Thursday night, which could provide some relief. Additional information Tassajara Zen Mountain Center remains within an evacuation order area. The center canceled the remainder of its guest season and began evacuating students due to smoke and worsening air quality. The fire threatens 661 structures. CAL FIRE reports that 1,228 personnel were assigned to the incident, along with 87 engines, 30 hand crews, 14 helicopters, 13 dozers and 20 tankers. The fire started on August 8 southeast of Loma Vista. His cause remains under investigation.
