Visitors Urged to Stay Away From Big Sur Due to Timber Fire
Visitors to Big Sur are being urged not to travel to the region after a wildfire forced mandatory evacuation orders in the area on Sunday.
The Timber Fire, which grew sharply in size overnight to 1,300 acres and is 5% contained, is burning in what Monterey County officials describe as “steep, rugged and difficult terrain” in the Los Padres National Forest above Highway 1.
This coastal stretch is home to many of Big Sur’s most popular hotels, restaurants and campgrounds, as well as state parks.
“We are respectfully asking the public to stay out of the area,” the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said in a Monday morning Facebook post.
“Roadways must remain clear so first responders can work safely and effectively. Unnecessary traffic and sightseeing in the fire zone create hazards for emergency crews and slow down critical operations.”
The evacuation order has forced the closure of several Big Sur businesses and attractions on and around Highway 1, including Nepenthe, and the evacuation of guests from hotels, including Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn and the Alila Ventana hotel and campground.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park are also both currently closed due to the threat from the Timber Fire.
Announcing its temporary closure in an Instagram post, the Henry Miller Memorial Library wrote: “We implore you: Do not come to Big Sur.”
“This is an incredibly serious situation,” the library said. “Fewer cars on the road allow CalFire and emergency services to do their job as effectively and safely as possible.”
Stretches of the coast to the north and south of the mandatory evacuation zone are also currently under an evacuation warning — the step that comes before an evacuation order, which acts as a warning to residents that they may need to evacuate soon. Highway 1 through Big Sur remains open as of Monday morning.
Advice for visitors to Big Sur right now
See Monterey, the region’s tourism body, is advising visitors to the affected areas of Big Sur to “follow evacuation instructions, take essential belongings and medications, and bring their pets.”
According to See Monterey, several hotels throughout Monterey County are now also “offering evacuation rates for residents and visitors in need,” through a spreadsheet of available lodgings.
“Travelers heading to Monterey County from the south via Highway 1 are encouraged to consider an alternate route using Highway 101 North,” the organization said.
This year’s Monterey Car Week, which organizers say draws over 100,000 visitors every year, is currently ongoing north of Big Sur through Sunday.