Timber Fire in Big Sur Doubles Overnight, Forcing Evacuations of Popular Tourist Spots
A wildfire near Big Sur doubled in size overnight, forcing evacuations in Monterey County as fire crews face difficult terrain.
The Timber Fire, which had burned 800 acres in the Los Padres National Forest as of Monday morning, is 5% contained, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
Officials said the blaze burned actively overnight, after fire behavior increased Sunday evening.
“The fire is burning in steep, rugged, and difficult terrain, which continues to hamper firefighter access and suppression efforts,” the Forest Service said in an update at 10 a.m. Monday.
Big Sur has seen multiple massive fires in recent years, in part due to the mountainous landscape, limited water and roads that make suppression challenging. These fires have threatened the area’s unique ecosystem and wildlife.
The Timber Fire broke out shortly after 9:30 p.m. Saturday in a remote area of grass and brush southeast of Loma Vista. It spread throughout the day Sunday, prompting evacuation orders in two zones, MRY-F026 and MRY-F027 near Partington Ridge Road and North Coast Ridge Road, late last night.
The area under immediate evacuation orders includes some of the area’s top tourist destinations, including luxury resort the Ventana Inn, beloved restaurant Nepenthe and the Henry Miller Memorial Library.
Just after 11 p.m., the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation warnings for three more zones, MRY-F024, MRY-F025 and MRY-F028, to the immediate north and south of the existing orders along the Big Sur coast.
Assemblymember Dawn Addis, D-Morro Bay, said she was communicating with local, state and federal partners to navigate the developing fire.
“Safety is the top priority,” she said in a statement on Monday. “Please follow all evacuation orders and guidance from authorities. Thank you to every firefighter, emergency responder and public safety professional working around the clock to protect our community.”