Evacuation orders expand for Big Sur as Timber Fire grows to 1330 acresThe Timber Fire has grown to 1,330 acres in Monterey County and remains 5% contained Monday as evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect for areas of Big Sur.CAL FIRE reported the fire at 1,330 acres and 5% containment in an incident update issued at 12:26 p.m. Monday. The fire had been reported at 400 acres and 5% containment Sunday night.The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office issued an immediate evacuation order at 11 p.m. Sunday for zones MRY-F026, MRY-F027 and a part of MRY-F028. The evacuation order includes the Ventana Inn.“LEAVE NOW!” the sheriff’s office said in announcing the orders.Evacuation warnings remain in effect for zones MRY-F024, MRY-F025 and a part of MRY-F028. 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 to 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.The Timber Fire has continued to grow rapidly since Sunday. CAL FIRE reported the fire at 180 acres earlier Sunday before it grew to 400 acres Sunday evening, doubled to 800 acres by Monday morning and was at 1,33o by midday.Containment remains at 5%. The fire had previously been reported at 20% contained as of 4:29 p.m. Sunday before CAL FIRE reported containment at 5% later Sunday night. Officials have not said what prompted the change in the reported containment percentage.The U.S. Forest Service, which is the lead agency on the fire, 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.Officials reported increased fire behavior Sunday evening, including spotting, as the fire continued to burn through heavy fuels in a remote area.”The fire is burning in steep, rugged, and difficult terrain, which continues to hamper firefighter access and suppression efforts. CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 1 has been requested to assist with management of this rapidly evolving incident,” said the U.S. Forest Service on Monday morning. Aviation resources worked extensively on the fire Sunday and were expected to continue operating as weather conditions allow.CAL FIRE’s Monday morning incident update lists no structures as damaged or destroyed and no civilian or firefighter injuries or fatalities.The cause of the Timber Fire is under investigation.California Highway Patrol said on Monday morning that Highway 1 is open in both directions but warned that conditions could change quickly if necessary. This is a developing story. Stay with KSBW 8 for updates.
