Timber Fire
- 27% Contained
- 25,168 Acres
- 1 County: Monterey
08/08/2026 8:35 PM
09/09/2026 4:44 PM
Under Investigation
Los Padres National Forest, Monterey County Sheriff's Department
Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 1
Southeast of Loma Vista
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/calpf-timber-fire
Status reports
Evacuations in Progress
Evacuation Orders
Immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to LEAVE NOW. The area is lawfully closed to public access.
Evacuation Orders have been issued for the following areas:
- MRY-D082
- MRY-D089
- MRY-D090
- MRY-D091
- MRY-F015-A
- MRY-F015-B
- MRY-F015-C
- MRY-F020
- MRY-F023-B
- MRY-F028-B
- MRY-F028-C
- MRY-F029
- MRY-F031-A
Evacuation Warnings
Potential threat to life and/or property. Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock should leave now.
Evacuation Warnings have been issued for the following areas:
- MRY-D078
- MRY-D084
- MRY-D085
- MRY-D086
- MRY-D088
- MRY-F014
- MRY-F016
- MRY-F017
- MYR-F018
- MRY-F019
- MRY-F022
- MRY-F021-A
- MRY-F021-B
- MRY-F023-A
- MRY-F024
- MRY-F025
- MRY-F026
- MRY-F027-A
- MRY-F027-B
- MRY-F028-A
- MRY-F028-D
- MRY-F030-A
- MRY-F030-B
- MRY-F031-B
- MRY-F032-A
- MRY-F032-B
Evacuation Shelters
Timber and Plaskett Fires Shelter:
- Santa Rosa Catholic Church, 1174 Main St, Cambria, CA 93428
Incident Updates
The Timber Fire is now 25,168 acres.
Please see today's Smoke Outlook by the US Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program.
Link: Smoke Outlook Central California - Timber Fire and Plaskett Fire
The Timber Fire remains active with isolated heat sources reigniting under the warming and drying trend. Crews continue direct and indirect suppression on the northwest and southwest portions of the fire. The northwest portion remains the highest threat to values at risk.
The majority of the western perimeter along Highway 1 remains in mop-up and patrol status. Resources continue improving handlines, dozer lines, and hoselays.
Hot and dry conditions are expected through Thursday, with poor overnight humidity recovery. Temperatures near 3,000 feet are forecast to reach approximately 91° today and 90° Thursday. A cooling trend is expected Friday through the weekend, with temperatures returning to near or slightly below normal.
The Heat Advisory is in effect today through Thursday.
Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in effect for portions of the incident area.
The Timber Fire remains active with isolated heat sources reigniting under the warming and drying trend. Crews continue direct and indirect suppression on the northwest and southwest portions of the fire. The northwest portion remains the highest threat to values at risk. The majority of the western perimeter along Highway 1 remains in mop-up and patrol status. Resources continue improving handlines, dozer lines, and hoselays.
Warming and drying conditions will continue through Thursday, with poor overnight humidity recovery. A Heat Advisory is in effect Wednesday through Thursday. Temperatures near 3,000 feet are forecast to reach approximately 91° degrees Wednesday and 90° degrees Thursday.
A cooling trend is expected Friday through the weekend, with temperatures returning to near or slightly below normal.
Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in effect for portions of the incident area.
The Timber Fire is now 25,164 acres.
Eli Pfoutz, Operations Section Chief with Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 1 provides an overview in the fight to grow containment on the Timber Fire.
VIDEO: Operations Update 9.8.2026
Please see today's Smoke Outlook by the US Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program.
Link: Smoke Outlook Central California - Timber Fire and Plaskett Fire
The Timber Fire remains active with isolated heat sources re-igniting under the warming and drying trend. Fire behavior remains primarily backing and flanking, with localized uphill runs possible. Crews continue direct and indirect suppression on the northwest and southwest portions of the fire.
The northwest portion remains the highest threat to values at risk. The majority of the western perimeter along Highway 1 remains in mop-up and patrol status. Resources continue improving handlines, dozer lines, hoselays, and sprinkler systems.
Warming and drying conditions will continue through Thursday, with poor overnight humidity recovery. A Heat Advisory is in effect Wednesday and Thursday.
Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in effect.
Southwest Area Incident Management Team 1 is in command.
The Timber Fire remains active with crews continuing suppression and mop-up in steep, difficult-to-access terrain. Crews continue strengthening and securing established control lines while addressing remaining heat. Resources remain engaged in remote portions of the incident.
Protection of the Highway 1 corridor and surrounding communities remains a priority. Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in effect for portions of the incident area.
Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 1 is in command.
The Timber Fire is now 25,168 acres.
Eli Pfoutz, Operations Section Chief with Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 1 provides an overview in the fight to contain the Timber Fire.
VIDEO: Operations Update 9.7.2026
Please see today's Smoke Outlook by the US Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program.
Link: Smoke Outlook Central California - Timber Fire and Plaskett Fire
The Timber Fire has burned 25,357 acres and is 27% contained. The fire remains active, with crews continuing suppression and mop-up operations in steep, difficult-to-access terrain. Operational priorities remain focused on securing established control lines, addressing remaining heat, and protecting the Highway 1 corridor and surrounding communities.
Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 1 assumed command of the incident at 6:00p.m. last evening. Evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect in portions of the fire area.
Looking ahead, operations will continue to focus on securing control features and addressing remaining heat on the Timber Fire, while crews on the Plaskett Fire maintain perimeter-securing operations and reinforce control lines. Coordination between both incident management teams and CAL FIRE agency representatives continues throughout.
The Timber Fire remains active, with continued work to secure established control lines and address remaining heat. Crews continue suppression and mop-up operations in steep, difficult-to-access terrain.
There is continued attention to the Highway 1 corridor. Surrounding communities remain a priority.
Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in effect in portions of the incident area.
Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 1 took command of the Timber Fire at 6:00p.m. Sunday, September 6, 2026.
VIDEO: If You Fly, We Can't
The Timber Fire is now 25,158 acres.
Please see today's Smoke Outlook by the US Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program.
Link: Smoke Outlook Central California - Timber Fire and Plaskett Fire
CIIMT 3 Operations Section Trainee Neal Gamboa provides a detailed update on what happened overnight and the plan to contain the fire today.
VIDEO: Operations Update 9.6.2026
The Timber Fire behavior remains moderate with minimal additional growth. Crews continue direct suppression efforts while strengthening established control lines. Resources continue securing control features and connecting completed line in the Arroyo Seco area.
Cooler temperatures and improved humidity continue to provide favorable conditions for suppression operations.
Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in effect in portions of the incident area.
The Timber Fire is now 25,357 acres and 27% contained.
The Timber fire is 25,147 acres.
Please see today's Smoke Outlook by the US Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program.
Link: Smoke Outlook Central California - Timber Fire and Plaskett Fire
The Timber Fire is now 25% contained.
CIIMT 3 Operations Section Trainee Neal Gamboa provides a detailed update on what happened overnight and the plan to grow containment on the Timber Fire today.
VIDEO: Operations Update 9.5.2026
The Timber Fire has now burned 25,346 acres and is 23% contained. Fire behavior stayed moderate through the previous operational period, with little additional growth recorded. Crews are continuing direct suppression along the fire’s northern edge while reinforcing existing control lines, and resources are working to connect completed dozer line in the Arroyo Seco area and secure control features along the Highway 1 corridor.
VIDEO: Rana Mobile Retardant Base
Cooler temperatures and improved humidity continued to work in firefighters’ favor. Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in effect, though the Shelter-in-Place Orders issued earlier in the incident have been lifted.
The closure related to the Timber Fire has been lifted. The Plaskett Fire closure remains in effect in both directions between mile marker 19.0 at Kirk Creek Campground on the north end and mile marker 0.0 at the Monterey/San Luis Obispo county line on the south end, due to ongoing wildfire operations.
CIIMT 3 remains in command.
Timber Fire behavior has remained moderate with minimal additional growth. Crews continue direct suppression efforts along the northern edge while strengthening established control lines. Resources continue connecting completed dozer line in the Arroyo Seco area and securing control features along the Highway 1 corridor.
VIDEO: Arroyo Grande Helitack
Cooler temperatures and improved humidity continue to provide favorable conditions for suppression efforts.
Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in effect; previous Shelter-in-Place Orders have been lifted.
The Highway 1 closure associated with the Timber Fire remains lifted. The closure connected to the Plaskett Fire is from mile marker 19 at Kirk Creek Campground down to mile marker 0.0 at the Monterey/San Luis Obispo County line.
There has been a change in Evacuation Shelters for the Timber and Plaskett Fires.
The Carmel shelter has closed. The Cambria shelter has moved to Santa Rosa Catholic Church, 1174 Main St, Cambria, CA 93428.
Please see today's Smoke Outlook by the US Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program.
Link: Smoke Outlook Central California - Timber Fire and Plaskett Fire
CIIMT 3 Operations Section Trainee Neal Gamboa provides a detailed update on what happened overnight and the plan to grow containment on the Timber Fire today.
VIDEO: Operations Update 9.4.2026
The Timber Fire has burned 25,346 acres and is 23% contained. Fire behavior remained moderate during the previous operational period, with only minimal additional growth recorded. Crews continued direct suppression efforts along the northern edge while strengthening established control lines. Resources are also connecting the completed dozer line in the Arroyo Seco area and securing control features along the Highway 1 corridor. Cooler temperatures and improved humidity continue to provide favorable conditions for suppression efforts.
Evacuation Orders have been downgraded in portions of Big Sur, and the previous Shelter-in-Place Orders have been lifted. The Highway 1 closure associated with the Timber Fire has also been lifted. CIIMT 3 remains in command.
A Carmel Fire Department has been tested by fire and isolated by flood, Cachagua's firefighters stand better prepared than ever to protect their rugged mountain home.
WATCH: History, Preparation, Resilience: Cachagua Fire Department
Timber Fire behavior today remained moderate with minimal additional growth. Crews continue direct suppression efforts along the northern edge while strengthening established control lines.
Resources continue connecting completed dozer line in the Arroyo Seco area and securing control features along the Highway 1 corridor. Cooler temperatures and improved humidity continue to provide favorable conditions for suppression efforts.
Evacuation Orders were downgraded in portions of Big Sur today and previous Shelter-in-Place Orders were lifted. The Highway 1 closure associated with the Timber Fire has been lifted.
The Timber Fire is now 25,121 acres.
There is a change to the Highway 1 road closure by the Plaskett Fire. According to CHP - Monterey, the north closure of Highway 1 has moved to mile marker 19 at the Kirk Creek Campground. The south closure remains the same which is mile marker 0.0 at the Monterey/San Luis Obispo County line.
Please see today's Smoke Outlook by the US Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program.
Link: Smoke Outlook Central California - Timber Fire and Plaskett Fire
CIIMT 3 Operations Section Trainee Neal Gamboa provides a detailed update on what happened overnight and the plan to suppress the Timber Fire today.
VIDEO: Operations Update 9.3.2026
Firefighters are making steady progress on the Timber Fire while the Plaskett Fire continues to challenge crews in steep, rugged terrain along California’s Central Coast, according to the latest update from Los Padres National Forest.
The Timber Fire held largely steady overnight, with fire behavior remaining moderate and minimal additional growth reported during the previous operational period. Crews are continuing direct suppression efforts along the fire’s northern edge while reinforcing established control lines. In the Arroyo Seco area, resources are working to connect completed dozer lines, and along the Highway 1 corridor, firefighters continue securing and strengthening control features.
Cooler temperatures and better humidity recovery are giving suppression crews a favorable window to build on recent progress.
In a sign of that progress, evacuation orders are being downgraded in portions of Big Sur effective 6:00am today, and the Shelter-in-Place orders issued August 27 are being lifted. Evacuation Orders remain in place for zones MRY-D082, MRY-D089, and MRY-D090.
CIIMT 3 remains in command of the incident.
There have been changes to Evacuation Orders and Warnings due to fire activity.
According to CHP - Monterey, the Highway 1 road closure for the Timber Fire has been lifted. The Highway 1 road closure for the Plaskett Fire remains in effect. The closure is from Pacific Valley at mile marker 16 down to mile marker 0.0 at the Monterey/San Luis Obispo County line
Firefighting crews reported continued progress on both the Timber and Plaskett Fires during Wednesday’s operational period, with fire behavior moderating under cooler temperatures across the region.
The Timber Fire has burned 25,226 acres and is now 23% contained. Fire behavior remained moderate throughout the day with minimal additional growth. Crews continued direct attack along the fire’s northern edge, working to connect existing control lines, while resources made progress linking completed dozer line in the Arroyo Seco area. Along the Highway 1 corridor, firefighters continued securing and strengthening control features. Evacuation orders, warnings, and shelter-in-place orders remain in effect. The incident is under command of CIIMT 3.
Highway 1 remains closed in two segments due to the fires. The Timber Fire closure extends from mile marker 56, south of the Little Sur River, to mile marker 45, south of Big Sur.
The Plaskett Fire closure runs from mile marker 16 in the Pacific Valley area to mile marker 0.09, just north of the Monterey/San Luis Obispo County line. The northern closure, from mile marker 56 to mile marker 45, is scheduled to open tomorrow at 6 a.m.
Tonight, members of the community were invited to a community meeting hosted by CIIMT 3 at Mid Coast Fire Brigade in Carmel. The meeting was recorded.
According to Caltrans, as of 6:00am Thursday, September 3, 2026, the northern closure of Highway 1 supporting Timber Fire operations will be moved from mile marker 56 south of Little Sur River to mile marker 45, just south of the Big Sur Post Office.
The southern closure from Pacific Valley at mile marker 16 down to mile marker 0.0 at the Monterey/San Luis Obispo County line remains in place to support Plaskett Fire emergency response efforts. Please avoid that area and use U.S. 101 as an alternate route.
The Timber Fire has grown to 25,000 acres.
Please see today's Smoke Outlook by the US Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program.
Link: U.S. Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program Smoke Outlook
There will be a public information meeting tonight, September 2, 2026 at 6:00p.m. at Mid Coast Fire Brigade, 38,000 Palo Colorado Road, Carmel, CA 93923.
This Public Meeting will be broadcast as a live event on the U.S. Forest Service - Los Padres Nat'l Forest Facebook Page. ASL interpretation will also be available via the facebook.
This meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss the current status of the Timber and Plaskett Fires. Agency representatives will be present to answer questions the community may have regarding evacuations and closures.
CIIMT 3 Operations Section Trainee Neal Gamboa provides a detailed update on what happened overnight and the plan to suppress the Timber Fire today.
VIDEO: Operations Update 9.2.2026
Firefighters continue to make progress on both the Timber and Plaskett fires as cooler temperatures and improved overnight humidity recovery help moderate fire behavior across the incidents.
The Timber Fire, burning on the Los Padres National Forest, is currently mapped at 25,223 acres and 22% contained. Fire behavior remained moderated during the previous operational period, resulting in minimal additional growth.
Crews continue strengthening established control lines and actively mopping up along the Highway 1 corridor. Suppression repair operations are also continuing south from Pfeiffer Camp. Throughout the incident, firefighters and heavy equipment operators are working to connect and reinforce completed dozer and control lines to reduce the potential for additional inland fire spread.
Cooler temperatures and improved overnight humidity recovery continue to provide favorable conditions for suppression efforts. Evacuation Orders, Evacuation Warnings, and Shelter-in-Place Orders remain in effect in areas impacted by the Timber Fire.
California Incident Management Team 3 is in command of the Timber Fire.
Highway 1 remains closed to through traffic through the fire area. There is currently no estimated reopening time. The closure extends from approximately mile marker 56, south of the Little Sur River on the north end to the Monterey/San Luis Obispo County line on the south end.
Motorists are urged to avoid the area and follow all posted closures and directions from emergency personnel.
Fire behavior moderated during the previous operational period. Crews continue strengthening established control lines and actively mopping up along the Highway 1 corridor, while suppression repair work continues from Pfeiffer Camp south. Resources are also connecting completed dozer line around other portions of the incident to help minimize inland spread.
Cooler temperatures and increased humidity are expected to continue moderating fire behavior. Evacuation Orders, Warnings, and Shelter-in-Place Orders remain in effect. The incident is being managed by California Interagency Incident Management Team 3 (CIIMT 3).
Highway 1 Closure
Highway 1 remains closed from mile marker 56 (south of the Little Sur River) on the north end to mile marker 0.09 (just north of the San Luis Obispo County line) on the south end. No estimated time for reopening has been provided.
The Timber Fire has burned 25,190 acres and is 22% contained. Fire behavior moderated during the previous operational period. Crews continue strengthening established control lines and actively mopping up along the Highway 1 corridor, while suppression repair work continues from Pfeiffer Camp south. Resources are also connecting completed dozer line around other portions of the incident to help minimize inland spread.
Cooler temperatures and increased humidity are expected today, with west winds gusting up to approximately 15 mph along exposed ridges. Evacuation Orders, Warnings, and Shelter-in-Place Orders remain in effect. The incident is being managed by California Interagency Incident Management Team 3 (CIIMT 3).
The Timber Fire showed more moderated fire behavior today. Firefighters worked to strengthen existing control lines and actively mopped up along the Highway 1 corridor, as well as conducting suppression repair activities from Pfeiffer Camp south. Resources are connecting completed dozer line in all other areas of the fire to minimize inland spread as much as possible.
Weather Outlook
Conditions are forecast to become more favorable moving through the week as an unseasonably cool front moves into the area. While temperatures will drop, conditions will remain relatively dry with no significant precipitation expected and humidity in the 30 to 35% range.
An early-season low-pressure trough will bring unseasonably cool temperatures and higher humidity to the Timber Fire area tomorrow — likely one of the coolest days since the fire began, with highs mainly in the 60s and struggling to reach the 70s even in interior portions of the fire zone.
Winds will remain onshore out of the west, with gusts up to around 15 mph along exposed ridges near the Coast Ridge Trail. Lower elevations below 2,000 feet will continue to see favorable humidity levels, aiding mop-up efforts. Cooler air aloft should help erode the marine inversion layer at the highest elevations, above 3,000 feet.
Skies will be partly cloudy tonight as a weak frontal boundary moves through. This front may bring light showers or drizzle overnight into Wednesday morning, particularly around Big Sur and Pfeiffer Camp, though accumulations are expected to be minimal — a few hundredths of an inch at most.
The Timber Fire has burned about 24,970 acres and is 21% contained. The fire stayed active overnight, and firefighters are still keeping a close eye on the steep, rugged terrain where it's hard to get equipment and crews in. Ground crews are focused on reinforcing the fire lines that are already in place, checking over areas where they've done controlled burns, putting out remaining hot spots, and protecting the Highway 1 corridor. They're also working to build up backup containment lines along Coast Ridge Road and the ridges nearby, so there's a fallback if the main lines don't hold. Aircraft are on standby to help out whenever smoke and weather conditions allow safe flying. The fire still poses a risk to the Big Sur area, nearby communities, roads and utilities, and both cultural sites and natural areas. As of the latest update, no new evacuation orders or warnings have been issued. The incident is being managed by California Interagency Incident Management Team 3 (CIIMT 3).
Highway 1 remains closed in the fire area, from about mile marker 56.0 (just south of the Little Sur River) on the north end down to about mile marker 45.0 (just south of the Big Sur Deli) on the south end.
Firefighters and heavy equipment continued improving existing Timber Fire containment lines from Bottchers Gap and Kincannon Road to Los Padres Dam and along Coast Ridge Road. Hotshot crews remain engaged in remote portions of the Ventana Wilderness where access is limited. Firing operations completed around Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park held through the day, with crews continuing mop-up along Highway 1. Falling rocks from steep terrain above Highway 1 continue to present a significant hazards.
The CHP - Monterey has moved the southern road closure on Highway 1. The closure has been relocated to mile marker 0.09, just north of the San Luis Obispo County line. The northern road closure remains South of Little Sur River at mile marker 56.
The Timber Fire is now 24,727 acres.
Please see today's Smoke Outlook by the US Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program.
Link: Smoke Outlook Central California - Timber Fire and Plaskett Fire
CIIMT 3 Planning Operations Section Trainee Neil Gamboa provides an operational update for both the Timber and Plaskett Fires.
VIDEO: Operations Update 8.30.2026
Join California Interagency Incident Management Team 3 (CIIMT 3) for a brown bag lunch event today. This is an opportunity for the community to get information about the Timber and Plaskett Fires.
The Timber Fire acreage is now 24,408.
Firefighters and heavy equipment are positioned on existing containment lines from Bottchers Gap and Kincannon Road to the Los Padres Dam on the northern side of the fire and along Coast Ridge Road on the southeastern side of the fire. Those resources worked today to improve containment lines, with Hotshot crews camping in the Ventana Wilderness to hike into places that dozers can’t reach. Those crews will be supported on the fireline via helicopter, as there are few access points to the remote areas where they are working.
Burning operations completed last night along Highway 1 around Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park held well through today’s shift, and firefighters are mopping up along the roadway. Falling rocks from the steep slope above the highway have been a challenge.
The Timber Fire remains active, with flanking, uphill runs, and isolated tree torching observed. Steep terrain and heavy fuel loading continue to create significant challenges for suppression efforts. Firefighters have kept pace with the fire’s downhill movement toward Highway 1 near Pfeiffer State Park. Continued fire spread is expected toward the Lucia Range, South Fork Trail, and northeast toward the Black Cone Trail.
Manuel Peak and the Pfeiffer State Park area are expected to remain primarily in a smoldering phase overnight following firing operations.
VIDEO: Nighttime Firing Operation
In the Ventana Cone area, fire will continue burning northeast where continuous fuels are available.
On the eastern edge, crews continue working to keep pace with fire movement toward the Black Cone Trail and Carmel River Trail. Along Coast Ridge Road, firefighters are working to maintain and strengthen control features as the fire progresses.
Fire growth continues to be primarily terrain- and fuel-driven, with potential movement into the Lion Creek, Ventana Creek, North Fork and South Fork Big Sur River, Redwood Creek, Cienega Creek, and upper Carmel River drainages. Potential impacts remain to Michaels Hill and Coast Ridge Road.
Crews will continue direct and aggressive attack where conditions allow, while establishing and improving containment lines where terrain and fire behavior permit. Firing, backfire, and burnout operations will continue as necessary to keep pace with the main fire, strengthen control features, and create defensible space around threatened structures.
Fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft will continue supporting ground resources with direct suppression and contingency-line construction where appropriate. Day and night firefighting operations will continue.
Highway 1 remains a significant operational concern. Recent firing operations have contributed to rockslides along the highway. When conditions are safe, Caltrans road engineers will assess, remove, or blast hazardous rocks before the roadway can safely reopen.
Tonight, winds are expected to shift northeast and gust into the teens, potentially reaching approximately 17 mph over the Timber Fire as a weak dry front moves through. Cooler temperatures are expected to persist, with the marine layer eventually deepening to approximately 2,000–2,500 feet; however, relative humidity is expected to remain generally in the 20–30% range.
Operational priorities remain protecting life and property, holding established control features, maintaining structure defense, and keeping the fire north of Nacimiento-Fergusson Road, south of Carmel Valley Road, east of Highway 1, and west of Millers Ranch.
There are two shelters set up for the Timber and Plaskett Fires:
- Carmel Mission Inn Conference Room, 3665 Rio Rd, Carmel, CA 93923
- Cambria Veterans Memorial Building, 1000 Main St, Cambria
According to CHP - Monterey, the southern Highway 1 closure has been moved to mile marker 2.1, just south of Salmon Creek. This closure location is aligned with the southern border of Evacaution Zone MRY-F037, which is now in an Evacuation Order.
The northern closure remains the same at south of Little Sur River at mile marker 56.
The Timber Fire is now 24,601 acres.
Firefighters are actively working to gain safe access to the Higuerra Creek area after the Timber Fire slopped over established containment lines into challenging terrain. Along Highway 1, strategic firing operations are now complete, and ground crews remain on scene patrolling, mop-up operations, extinguishing internal hotspots, and fortifying control lines. Pockets of unburned vegetation will continue to burn well inside the perimeter, producing visible smoke that firefighters are actively monitoring to protect against potential line breaks.
Air operations, including helicopters and water drops, will continue supporting ground crews as visibility and operational needs dictate. Highway 1 remains closed due to severe ongoing hazards such as falling rocks, rolling debris, and fire-weakened trees, with road condition assessments continuously underway to safeguard the public and responding crews.
To ensure suppression actions cause minimal long-term impact to the environment and surrounding communities, Incident Command leadership is working directly with local Resource Advisors (READs) to integrate local geographic and environmental knowledge into the daily Incident Action Plan (IAP). Resource Advisors are actively mapping and flagging sensitive locations—including local archaeological and cultural sites, rare native flora, waterways, and wildlife habitats—so heavy equipment operators, hand crews, and dozer teams can navigate around these areas. By coordinating directly with crews on the ground, these local experts are ensuring tactical operations balance swift fire suppression with rigorous environmental protections, including precautions to safeguard local water sources from fuel and retardant runoff.
Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) Dan Lerma explains how vegetation will be impacted by the fires and by the weather.
Timber Fire Incident Meteorologist (IMET) Aviva Braun provides a detailed forecast for the fire areas.
Timber Fire Operations with CIIMT 3 Nathan Arellano provides a detailed update on what happened overnight and the plan to suppress the Timber and Plaskett fires today.
VIDEO: Operations Update 8.29.2026
Firefighters are maintaining active suppression operations across the entire incident by focusing on structure protection, fortifying primary control lines, and preparing secondary contingency options. Along the Manuel Peak and Highway 1 corridor, where the fire has pushed south and breached control features in multiple areas, engine strike teams, hand crews, and Hotshots are conducting coordinated strategic firing operations to protect nearby structures. These ground efforts are reinforced by unmanned aircraft systems, aviation assets, and retardant drops applied directly to dozer lines along the ridge above the highway. Ground personnel continue to cut direct handline wherever terrain permits, using both fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft to support these critical holding operations.
Across the northern sector of the fire, crews and heavy equipment are connecting and improving a network of dozer lines, handlines, roads, and ridgelines to build robust primary control features. Near Botchers Gap, dozers are pushing east toward the Los Padres Reservoir while strengthening the Big Pine Ridge system. Moving further east toward Arroyo Seco, crews are engaged in a long-term operation to prepare the surrounding ridge system as a main barrier, which involves extensive line clearing, improving access routes, and establishing structure-defense plans. Meanwhile, south of Arroyo Seco, resources are clearing the Indians–Arroyo Seco Road to bolster both primary lines and backup options.
In the southern portion of the incident, crews and dozers are actively clearing existing control lines while preparing the Coast Ridge Road corridor and adjacent ridges to act as secondary holding features if the fire moves south. Air operations are being guided by two dedicated Air Attack platforms, supported by a mix of Type 1 and Type 2 helicopters as well as day-and-night drone operations, though fixed-wing air tankers remain limited by high national demand and are strictly deployed for high-priority ground operations. Recent smoke and cloud cover prevented overnight infrared mapping flights, meaning the current fire perimeter maps do not capture recent expansion and will remain unupdated until conditions clear. Ultimately, all firefighters remain committed to their core strategic objective of containing the blaze north of Nacimiento-Fergusson Road, south of Carmel Valley Road, east of Highway 1, and west of Millers Ranch.
The Timber Fire is now 24,408 acres.
The Timber Fire has grown to 23,365 acres.
Today, crews fighting the Timber Fire made steady progress on a tactical firing operation to burn vegetation between the fire and containment lines. Ground crews worked from Manuel Peak downslope toward the Big Sur River drainage to reinforce control lines and protect critical infrastructure.
Supported by Hotshot crews, an Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS), and aircraft operating into the evening as weather allowed, these controlled burns advanced effectively throughout the day even as the main fire moved north across several drainages.
VIDEO: Air Resources Support Ground Crews
Along Highway 1, strike teams were stationed to defend residential properties, commercial sites, and essential infrastructure, while a retardant drop along the ridge's dozer line strengthened holding efforts above those structures. Northeast winds are expected tonight, which may create challenging conditions for suppression and firing operations. A Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) team also remained on the ridgetop to handle any emergency firefighter rescues.
Infrared (IR) flights were unable to fly last night and today due to smoke and cloud cover. As a result, the current mapped fire perimeter may be inaccurate until updated IR data becomes available.
On the Timber Fire, firefighters are actively conducting firing operations—controlled burning to consume fuels in front of the advancing wildfire, effectively creating a barrier to stop its progress—working from the south toward eastern sections of the perimeter. The fire has backed down through the Big Sur drainage and is approaching the Pfeiffer Incident Command Post area.
Structure triage is complete, with Type 6 engines and equipment staged along the road to maintain point-protection as the fire backs toward nearby structures. Prep work is finished south of the command post along Highway 1 and up the dozer line toward Manuel Peak, where the Vista Grande Hotshots, Fulton resources, and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones are coordinating firing operations from opposite directions. Once at the appropriate elevation, crews will extend the fire across the Valley View Trail system to clean up interior unburned fuels.
Firefighters are also actively addressing a 50-acre slopover—where the main fire crossed over the control line that resulted from yesterday's activity. While air tankers have successfully checked its spread, the slopover continues to burn through local drainages, and crews will deploy handlines and retardant to fully secure it based on accessibility.
Four crews are currently stationed along the dozer line and below Manuel Peak, with an additional hotshot crew slated to secure the remaining section. With forecast winds threatening line integrity, crews are prioritizing the tie-in of these lines and expect full completion tonight or tomorrow depending on weather and operational progress. As these tactical burns wrap up, resources will continue moving down the dozer line toward southern perimeter operations.
TIMBER FIRE TOWN HALL
Please join California Incident Management Team 3, Cachauga Fire, and other cooperating fire agencies for a community meeting to receive the latest updates regarding the Timber Fire. Community members will have an opportunity to hear directly from officials and ask questions.
Details:
- Saturday, August 29 at 4:00 PM
- Cachagua Community Park, 37320 Nason Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
According to CHP - Monterey, the Highway 1 closure has been adjusted on the northside to mile marker 56, south of Little Sur River. The southside mile marker remains the same at mile marker 10.1 in Gorda near the By the Sea Mini Mart.
There have been changes to Evacuation Orders and Warnings due to fire activity.
In the northern portion of the Timber Fire along the Highway 1 corridor, crews continue working to protect homes and buildings as the fire moves through the area. The fire has reached Manuel Peak, pushing south and "slopping over," or crossing over containment lines in several locations. To safely bring the fire back into established boundaries, crews are conducting controlled burn operations toward Highway 1 while actively setting up structural protection along the highway.
In the northeastern portion from Boxer’s Gap toward Los Padres Reservoir, bulldozers are clearing and widening the Big Pine Ridge system to create wide containment lines to block the fire's path.
In the eastern portion stretch from Los Padres Reservoir to Arroyo Seco, crews are clearing and widening the ridge system to serve as a main barrier to stop the fire's spread. This effort is expected to take several weeks and includes extensive line clearing and preparing nearby homes for defense.
In the southeastern portion beyond Arroyo Seco, crews are clearing brush and opening up the Indians–Arroyo Seco Road heading south, creating a stronger network of primary barriers and backup emergency containment lines. Bulldozers have also finished digging a wide dirt trench down to the southern break, adding an extra defensive boundary along this section.
In the southwestern portion along Coast Ridge Road, resources are clearing brush and improving both the roadway and the high ridge directly above it. These cleared roads and natural ridge barriers will act as backup containment lines if the fire pushes toward this area.
Across other parts of the fire, resources are identifying extra opportunities to secure active edges by linking together existing bulldozer paths, hand-dug dirt trenches, and dirt or paved roads into continuous containment lines.
Aviation operations are being led by two Air Attack planes, dedicated coordination planes, supported by heavy- and medium-duty helicopters along with day and night uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) or drone flights. Fixed-wing air tankers may be limited due to high national demand, but available aircraft will continue supporting ground crews wherever they can be most effective.
Weather conditions are shifting from cool, moist air and light rain back toward drier weather. A Red Flag Warning remains in effect due to potential isolated thunderstorms, which could trigger erratic wind gusts approaching 40 mph. As surrounding brush dries out, fire activity is expected to pick up, with the potential for flying embers to spark new spot fires 0.1 to 0.2 miles ahead of the main fire front and cross over established containment lines.
Crews are maintaining heightened awareness for sudden wind shifts and increased fire activity, with daily briefings focused on safety routes and good communication. Operational priorities remain keeping the public and firefighters safe, protecting structures, reinforcing main and backup containment barriers, supporting controlled burning operations, and stopping further fire spread.
Timber Fire Incident Meteorologist (IMET) Aviva Braun provides a detailed forecast for the fire areas.
Timber Fire Operations with CIIMT 3 Nathan Arellano provides a detailed update on what happened overnight and the plan to suppress the Timber and Plaskett fires today.
VIDEO: Operations Update 8.28.2026
Fire activity on the Timber Fire continues as the burn backs down from Manuel Peak into the Big Sur River drainage. Firefighters are focusing their efforts on structure defense, connecting and strengthening containment lines, and executing controlled firing operations near Manuel Peak moving toward the Highway 1 corridor. Ground forces are also constructing continuous dozer lines extending east toward the Los Padres Reservoir. Personnel in Branches 50 and 80 are actively extending fire lines along surrounding ridge systems and heading toward Arroyo Seco, Willow Creek, and Black Canyon, while simultaneously developing comprehensive structure-defense plans.
Aviation support includes two dedicated air attacks assigned to the incident, with operations backed by Type 1 and Type 2 helicopters as well as day and night Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) coverage. Fixed-wing air tanker availability may experience limitations due to high national demand.
Weather conditions are shifting as cooler, moist air and light rain give way to drier weather. A Red Flag Warning remains active across the fire area due to the threat of isolated thunderstorms. These storms bring the risk of erratic winds and powerful outflow boundary gusts reaching up to 40 mph.
Fire behavior is expected to intensify as vegetation dries out, with active burning creating a spotting potential of approximately 0.1 to 0.2 miles. All operational personnel are instructed to stay highly alert to rapid changes in weather and fire activity and to hold detailed safety briefings before going on the line.
FULL CLOSURE: Highway 1 is closed from north of Gorda at Mile Marker 10.2 to one mile south of Old Coast Road at Mile Marker 50.1 due to fire activity.
At this time there is no estimated time to reopen.
Fire remains active on the northwest portion of the Timber Fire, with continued progression through the Ventana Creek/Lion Creek drainage toward Ventana Double Cone and the upper Carmel River basin. Coastal portions remain relatively quiet, with established containment and control features continuing to hold.
Crews continue strengthening primary and contingency lines across the incident.
Hot and dry conditions continue to influence fire behavior, with potential for increased activity.
Operational priorities remain firefighter and public safety, structure protection, holding established control features, and limiting additional fire spread.
- Evacuation Orders: MRY-F022, MRY-F023-A, and MRY-F025
- Evacuation Warnings: MRY-F018 and MRY-F019
- Shelter-In-Place Orders: MRY-F021-A, MRY-F021-B, MRY-F024, MRY-F026, and MRY-F027-A
The California Highway Patrol has closed Highway 1 to keep the public safe and allow crews to fight the Timber Fire. The closure will remain in effect until further notice. The closure boundaries are from the northside, one mile south of Old Coast Road at Mile Marker 50.1, and from the southside, just south of Big Sur Deli at Mile Marker 45.
Updates will be provided as details become available via CHP - Monterey. VIDEO: Highway 1 Closure for Public Safety
Overnight, the Timber Fire pushed east and north deep into the Ventana Wilderness, crossing Ventana Creek and making runs through the Lion Creek and Big Sur River drainages. Critical fire weather remains the primary driver of this fire as the incident enters its tenth consecutive day of relative humidity below 30%, overnight recoveries in the upper teens, and temperatures near 80°F.
The fire is still torching, backing, and reversing directions on slopes. Long range spotting has also been observed up to two miles. Overnight, ground crews quickly contained a spot fire that breached the control line, and active monitoring of the area continues using Infrared-equipped Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS).
The marine layer is expected to clear around 10:00a.m. this morning, and there is a potential for downdrafts and gusts up to 25 mph between 1:00p.m. and 4:00p.m. However, a slight increase in overnight humidity and cooler temperatures tonight might bring some relief.
Firing operations continue to try to get rid of unburned fuel in between the fire and containment lines.
Today at 1:00p.m., the California Highway Patrol will implement a hard closure on Highway 1 from one mile south of Old Coast Road at Mile Marker 50.1 to one-half mile south of Deetjens Big Sur Inn at Mile Marker 42.6. This is to ensure public safety and support firefighting operations. The CHP has announced that it will provide updates.
The Timber Fire continues to show active growth. Extremely warm, dry conditions and low humidity continue to fuel the fire, with heavy smoke trapping poor visibility along the Highway 1 corridor in the morning hours.
Unseasonably hot and dry conditions will persist overnight into Thursday morning, but a shifting weather front expected Thursday afternoon should bring cooler temperatures and higher humidity through Saturday, though it carries a risk of gusty, unpredictable winds before dry weather returns on Sunday.
To ensure public safety and support firefighting efforts, State Route 1 (Highway 1) will close in both directions tomorrow (Thursday) at 1:00p.m., spanning from just south of Old Coast Road (mile marker 50.1) down to just south of Deetjens Big Sur Inn (mile marker 42.6).
Please use caution when driving in the area and watch for heavy equipment and public safety employees working in the area.
The Timber Fire is 19,296 acres.
According to CHP - Monterey, to ensure public safety and facilitate firefighting efforts, SR-1 (Highway 1) will close tomorrow, Thursday, August 27, effective at 1:00 PM at the following locations:
Northside: one mile south of Old Coast Road (MM50.1)
Southside: one-half mile south of Deetjens Big Sur Inn (MM42.6)
The closure will be in place for an unknown amount of time; updates will be provided.
Timber Fire activity remains moderate, with no perimeter movement anticipated west of Coast Ridge Road. On the northwest side, the fire has crossed Ventana Creek and continues uphill through the Lion Creek drainage toward Ventana Double Cone and the upper Carmel River basin. As the fire advances northwest, it is expected to begin backing downhill into the Little Sur drainage, where it should spread more slowly.
Further east, the fire continues spreading north and east near the North and South Forks of the Big Sur River and through the South Fork drainage. Around Pico Blanco Camp, crews are improving secondary lines, clearing vegetation, and preparing structures. To the east, crews are building control lines from Bottcher Gap and Kincannon Road toward Los Padres Dam while protecting sensitive cultural resources.
Near Memorial Campground and Arroyo Seco Indians Road, crews are reopening dozer lines, scouting additional line and safety zones, improving access, establishing water supplies, and preparing structures. Firefighters will continue improving Coast Ridge Road as a control feature and conduct strategic firing operations as conditions allow.
Today will bring warmer, drier conditions with near-critical fire weather continuing. Temperatures will approach 90°F, humidity will fall into single digits, and smoke may reduce visibility through the morning. In the early afternoon—around 1 to 2 p.m.—as the sun heats the ground, warm air will start rising and drawing down the higher, windier, and drier air from above. This churns up the air near the ground, which will help sweep away the heavy smoke, but it will also pull stronger, drier winds right down to the fireline and accelerate fire behavior. Southwest winds may gust into the mid-teens, with poor humidity recovery overnight.
Public Information Officer Connie Lau provides an operational update to the Spanish-speaking community.
Timber Fire Operations Section Trainee Neal Gamboa provides a detailed update on what happened overnight and the plan to suppress the fire today. VIDEO: Operations Update 8.26.2026
Expect minor delays through the Big Sur corridor today while maintenance crews conduct a one-day cleanup project at Torre Canyon.
To help keep the road safe and clear, workers are removing rock piles left behind from recent Timber Fire operations. Clearing this debris will reopen roadside pullouts, restore proper drainage, and prevent loose rocks from rolling into active traffic lanes.
Traffic controls will be active today between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., bringing periodic holds and delays of 10 to 15 minutes. Drivers heading through the area should budget a little extra travel time.
Today’s operational period continued to move forward with the established plan, with resources focused on completing remaining handline, strengthening existing control features, and maintaining established positions across the incident.
In the Logwood Creek and Coast Ridge region along the southwestern portion of the fire, crews maintained their positions and continued monitoring fire activity as the fire backed toward Logwood Creek, with water tenders remaining in place supporting operations along Coast Ridge Road and Highway 1. Meanwhile, in the Pine Ridge region along the northeastern portion of the fire, crews continued working throughout the operational period to complete the remaining sections of handline and strengthen the existing control features. Fire activity remained present primarily along the eastern and southern portions of the incident, with resources continuing to monitor movement and engage where conditions and terrain allowed.
Warmer and drier conditions remained a primary operational concern today, particularly across the upper elevations where relative humidity approached single digits, keeping resources prepared for the potential of increased fire behavior associated with these conditions. Aviation resources continued supporting ground operations throughout the day, including six Type 1 helicopters, four Type 2 helicopters, three Type 3 helicopters, and two Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) modules supporting both day and night operations, alongside an operational mobile retardant base available to support incident needs.
Night resources will continue reinforcing today’s progress, monitoring areas of active fire, holding established control features, and continuing work on remaining sections of line where conditions allow. The incident remains in an active suppression posture as crews continue building upon today’s progress while closely monitoring fire behavior and changing weather conditions through the evening and overnight operational period.
Firefighters continue to make strong progress on the Timber Fire today.
In the northern and eastern areas of the fire, active flame continues to move through remote, steep wilderness terrain where direct access for ground crews is limited. Firefighters are closely monitoring this movement and using established natural barriers alongside prepared control lines to keep the fire contained. Residents in surrounding communities will continue to see visible smoke throughout the day as unburned vegetation inside the perimeter continues to consume.
In the southern and western areas of the fire, crews are actively patrolling containment lines, cooling down remaining hot spots, and reinforcing completed firelines. Resources are also constructing backup control lines further out from the main perimeter as a precautionary measure. Firefighting aircraft remain available to support ground crews, dropping water and retardant where they can most effectively slow fire growth and protect key areas.
Updated evacuation orders and warnings were issued today for areas adjacent to the fire, affecting a limited number of additional structures. Residents and visitors are strongly encouraged to stay vigilant, monitor local conditions, and check official Monterey County Emergency Services channels for the most current evacuation maps and notices. Firefighters will remain on the ground into the evening to hold control lines, monitor active fire zones, and prepare for night operations.
Timber Fire Operations Section Trainee Neil Gamboa provides the latest information on the battle to suppress the Timber Fire.
VIDEO: Operations Update 8.25.2026
There are changes to Evacuation Orders and Warnings due to increased fire activity.
Fire activity remained relatively quiet overnight across the incident. Air operations conducted an Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) flight in the northwest portion of the fire while flames continued backing down toward Logwood Creek. In the Coast Ridge area, crews maintained their positions, monitored fire activity, and utilized water tenders along Coast Ridge Road and Highway 1, with resources dispersed throughout the operational footprint. In the Pine Ridge area, handline remains incomplete; day shift crews will focus today on tying in those remaining sections.
Day operations will carry forward the objectives established overnight, placing primary emphasis on securing incomplete handline and holding established control features. Field personnel should prepare for critical fire weather today as conditions approach Red Flag Warning criteria, with upper elevations expected to drop into single-digit relative humidity. Air operations are fully supported with a mobile retardant base in place, two dedicated UAS modules split between day and night operations, and an aviation fleet consisting of six Type 1, four Type 2, and three Type 3 helicopters.
El vocero de información pública, Connie Lau proporciona una actualización sobre el incendio Timber.
Mira este video: Actualización sobre el incendio Timber 8.24.26
Timber Fire Operations Section Chief Nolan Hale provides a detailed update on what happened overnight and the plan to suppress the fire today. VIDEO: Operations Update 8.24.2026
On the northern and eastern portions of the fire where increased activity recently occurred, the fire has merged, contributing to the increase of acreage into the Ventana Wilderness. The fire has reached partially up Island Mountain and overnight, it slowly backed down the drainage. Fire activity is expected to move upcanyon in the Lion Creek drainage toward Ventana Double Cone and the upper Carmel River basin. The fire is holding at Logwood Ridge, with firefighters preparing for firing operations along Coast Ridge Road. Due to the steep and rugged terrain, air resources will be available today to support with water and retardant drops.
To the south, firefighters continue to address hot spots in the Torre Canyon area from the firing operations that occurred last week. Firefighters continue mop up operations and removing equipment along the coastal side of the fire. Fire crews will continue to improve and strengthen contingency lines to north and south of the fire.
High clouds, slightly lower temperatures, and a marginally deeper marine layer are expected today. These conditions may lead to slightly less fire activity today. Wind direction will be dependent upon terrain. Relative humidity recovery is expected to remain poor with nocturnal drying.
Today’s intelligence flight validated additional acreage on the fire. This increase in acreage is due to the fuel moisture being critically low, warmer temperatures, low relative humidity, and terrain driven fire activity. Evacuation Orders and Warnings were modified today. The warm and dry conditions of previous days have resulted in normal levels of seasonal severity for this time of year. Fuels and vegetation are more susceptible to ignitions, especially given the fire history in the area and the rugged, steep terrain.
Fire crews bolstered contingency lines to the north and south of the fire. There continues to be very limited fire activity along the coastal side of the fire. There was no heat detected today on the northwestern side of the Big Sur River. Fire crews will continue to strengthen control features in this area. Fire activity increased to the north toward Ventana Cone and is slowly backing down the drainages.
To the east, fire activity continues within the rim of Logwood Ridge with no major runs to the east. Aircraft continues to support fire crews as they prepare for firing operations along Coast Ridge Road.
The cloud coverage moderated fire activity today causing relative humidity levels to be slightly higher than expected. Temperatures on the fire were still warm and dry, however the cloud cover did lower temperatures across the wilderness area. Tonight, fire activity is still expected to continue given the nocturnal drying and poor relative humidity.
The Timber Fire has grown to 12,616 acres.
Firefighters continue to make steady progress across the incident, strengthening primary and contingency lines while utilizing aviation resources to support operations in areas of greatest need.
On the northwestern portion of the fire, crews continue to strengthen and reinforce indirect control lines extending down Tin House Ridge and tying into Highway 1. This area is now fully supported by retardant delivered from fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircraft. The existing fire footprint on the west side remains relatively quiet, with limited smoke observed toward Manuel Peak.
On the eastern portion of the fire, activity continues upslope and is slowly backing downslope on Island Mountain within the wilderness area. Fire growth has moderated, with activity gradually backing through the ridge systems toward Redwood Creek. Ground resources continue to monitor fire movement and evaluate opportunities for continued containment.
On the northeastern portion of the fire, retardant and water applications continue to hold the fire east of Logwood Ridge. Helicopter operations remain actively engaged in supporting ground crews as they reinforce and prepare Coast Ridge Road south toward Anderson Peak as an additional control feature.
In northern contingency operations behind Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, crews continue to reinforce handline and utilize existing road systems, extending control features toward Manuel Peak to provide additional depth and strategic options. Farther south, contingency efforts remain fully engaged toward Cone Peak, with multiple resources continuing to develop, improve, and reinforce indirect control lines at strategic locations.
Throughout the afternoon operational period, firefighters will remain focused on strengthening established control features, increasing the depth of contingency lines, and coordinating ground and aviation resources to limit additional fire growth and maintain progress across the incident.
There have been several changes to Evacuation Orders and Evacuation Warnings. Several zones have been upgraded to either an Order or a Warning due to an increase in fire activity.
El vocero de información pública, Luis Perez, proporciona una actualización sobre el incendio Timber.
Mira este video: Actualización sobre el incendio Timber 8.23.26
Timber Fire Operations Section Chief Nolan Hale provides a detailed update on what happened overnight and the plan to suppress the fire today.
VIDEO: Operational Update 8.23.26
Due to critically low relative humidity and severe nocturnal drying, the two areas of increased fire activity continued to the northeast and east of the fire. On the northeastern side, the fire is well established north of the Big Sur River in the Lion Creek drainage and perimeter growth is expected to the north near Ventana Cone. Overnight, fire activity was moderated in this area as it backed slowly into the drainage. Due to the complex topography with steep, rugged terrain and intersecting river canyons, aircraft continues to be the primary resource on this part of the fire. Active fire is expected today due to predicted warmer, drier and windier conditions. This will once again result in visible smoke.
On the eastern side of the fire, east of Mount Olmstead and north of Logwood Creek, the fire has crossed the South Fork of the Big Sur River and continues to burn to the east. Fire crews continue to prepare for burning operations along Coast Ridge Road to the south toward Anderson Peak. Firefighters will continue reinforcing contingency lines to the north and south of the fire.
Elevated fire weather conditions are expected with continued warm and dry conditions predicted. Winds are expected to vary significantly by location depending on terrain and slope.
Due to significant fire behavior and activity on the eastern portion of the Timber Fire, Evacuation Orders and Warnings were modified today. The predicted winds did not surface as expected; this resulted in moderate fire activity and short, upslope fire runs. Relative humidity levels remain very low across active areas of the fire. Due to the complex topography which includes exceptionally steep, rugged terrain and intersecting river canyons, helicopters continue to be the main resource on this part of the fire.
Today, fire crews worked diligently to secure and reinforce contingency lines around Mount Manuel to the north and Logwood Ridge to the south of the fire. Fire crews also initiated preparation of burning operations along Coast Ridge Road to the south toward Anderson Peak.
Warm and dry conditions continued today. Critically low relative humidity and severe nocturnal drying is expected this evening; fire activity is not expected to lessen overnight.
There has been a change in acreage and containment. The fire is 8,665 acres and 25% contained.
At this time, fire activity across the incident remains moderated. Crews continue to actively engage on both the north and south ends of the fire, strengthening control features and limiting additional fire growth ahead of the warmer, drier conditions anticipated this afternoon.
Crews will remain focused on reinforcing existing control lines and preparing for any potential increase in fire behavior as conditions become warmer and drier through the afternoon. The anticipated peak burning period remains between 2:00pm and 5:00pm hours, when increased winds and lower relative humidity may influence fire behavior.
Smoke will continue to be visible from the eastern portion of the incident as the fire slowly and organically creeps eastward into the wilderness. Firefighters will continue to closely monitor conditions and adjust suppression efforts as necessary throughout the operational period.
There have been no reported injuries on the incident during today’s operational period.
There have been several changes to Evacuation Orders and Warnings, and Highway 1 has been fully reopened. Please drive with caution and expect to see equipment and public safety workers in the area.
El vocero de información pública, Luis Perez proporciona una actualización sobre el incendio Timber.
Mira este video:Actualización sobre el incendio Timber 8.22.26
Timber Fire Operations Section Chief Mike Wink provides a detailed update on what happened overnight and the plan to suppress the fire today.
VIDEO: Operational Update 8.22.26
Overnight, intelligence flights validated two new areas of increased fire activity on the eastern side of the fire. The fire did cross the Big Sur River and is moving toward Lion Creek to the east. The other area of increased activity was in the Logwood Ridge area with fire activity burning to the east. The fire is well within the Ventana Wilderness and poses no immediate threat to structures. Due to warm and dry conditions, fire activity is expected today in these two areas with visible smoke. Firefighters will continue to utilize helicopter water drops and retardant to address these areas as well as strengthen contingency lines to the north and south of the fire.
On the coastal side of the fire, firefighters continue mop up operations, pulling equipment, and securing containment lines. Fire crews continue to address any hot spots remaining from the burning operations in Torre Canyon. Cooperating agencies will continue their assessment of Highway 1 to mitigate any safety concerns.
Marine layer clouds are expected this morning with clear skies predicted later this morning on the coastal side of the fire. Warm and dry conditions are expected in the higher elevations of the fire today with low relative humidity.
The Timber Fire is now 7,591 acres.
The eastern side of the fire continues to remain active with visible smoke. The fire is slowly burning around the Pine Ridge Trail system. The fire is backing toward the Big Sur River, however it remains south of it. On the southeastern side of the fire around the Longwood Ridge area, we continue to see some burning of patchy vegetation. Helicopters continue to use water and retardant drops to address this portion of the fire.
Containment lines along the coastal side of the fire have been strengthened, while firefighters remove equipment and hose. Cooperating agencies continue to assess the Highway 1 corridor for loose and unstable rocks above the highway.
Warm and dry conditions with increased wind speeds were present on the fire today. Overnight, winds are expected to be light with low relative humidity. Warm and dry conditions are expected to continue overnight.
The Timber Fire has grown to 6,669 acres.
Favorable weather conditions are giving firefighters an opportunity to make meaningful progress along the Highway 1 corridor and on the west side of the Timber Fire. Crews continue to secure the fire’s edge in and around the community of Big Sur, strengthening containment lines.
On the east side of the fire, isolated runs continue into the Ventana Wilderness. Firefighters are carefully evaluating the terrain and identifying advantageous locations to engage the fire and build additional containment lines. Crews remain focused on strengthening the fire’s perimeter while taking advantage of favorable conditions to make continued progress.
While firefighters continue making progress on the lines of the fire, an entire team is working behind the scenes to keep the operation moving. From developing plans for the next operational period to preparing meals, coordinating logistics, keeping equipment moving, and providing a hot shower after a long day on the line, these dedicated individuals make sure our firefighters have what they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.
Large incidents like the Timber Fire take an incredible team effort. To everyone working behind the scenes and supporting our firefighters—thank you for everything you do. Your work is an essential part of the mission.
AIRCRAFT SAFETY REMINDER 🚨
With road closures changing on Highway 1 and visitors beginning to make their way back to the Big Sur Coast, we want to remind everyone that a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in effect over the fire area.
The TFR is in place to protect the safety of firefighting aircraft and the firefighters relying on them as they continue working the Timber Fire.
Please do not fly drones in or near the fire area.
If you fly, we can’t.
Thank you for helping keep our firefighters and aviation resources safe.
El vocero de información pública, Luis Perez, proporciona una actualización sobre el incendio Timber.
Mira este video: Actualización sobre el incendio Timber 8.21.26
Timber Fire Operations Section Chief Marc Bontrager provides a detailed overview on overnight efforts and the plan for today to grow containment on the fire.
VIDEO: Operational Update 8.21.26
Overnight, firefighters continued to strengthen containment lines and assess for hot spots along the coastal side of the fire. The eastern side of the fire remains the most active. The northeastern flank continues to slowly back toward the South Fork of the Big Sur River drainage, with the fire remaining south of the Big Sur River.
Bucket and retardant operations will continue today in the eastern part of the fire. Cooperating agencies plan to work along Highway 1 to address safety and access concerns, including loose and unstable rocks above the highway. Fire crews will continue to strengthen contingency lines on the north and south areas of the fire.
The peak of the hot and dry conditions has passed, however warm and dry conditions are expected in the higher elevations of the fire area. Marine layers clouds are expected on the coastal side of the fire with clear skies later this morning.
The Timber Fire acreage has grown to 6,147.
Firefighters have begun removing hose on the coastal side of the fire where containment lines are complete. Power has been restored to some of the affected areas and cooperating agencies continue their assessment and work along Highway 1 to mitigate safety concerns. Fire activity on the northeastern side of the fire continues to slowly back toward the South Fork of the Big Sur River drainage. Bucket and retardant drops were used to strengthen contingency lines.
Approximately 60 acres burned near Mount Olmstead, where the fire is moving northwest toward the Big Sur River. This fire activity is the primary source of visible smoke. Within Logwood Creek area, small patches of fire continue to burn; however, there has been no new growth or significant changes in this area.
Warm and very dry conditions continued today. The marine layer remains in place, with cool, humid mornings along the coast side of the fire. Temperatures increased this afternoon in the higher elevations with relative humidity remaining low. VIDEO: Chinook Dips into Ocean
For firefighters battling wildfires for weeks on end, the intense shifts, extreme conditions, and weeks away from home take a heavy physical and emotional toll. That’s where base camp therapy dogs step in—bringing stress relief, comfort, and a essential dose of normalcy when it's needed most.
"When you've been working on a fire for weeks and you miss your family and your own pets, getting a few minutes with a sweet and friendly dog helps bring down the tension and lift spirits." — Chief Josh Silveira
Research shows that even a few minutes with a therapy dog can lower anxiety, decrease loneliness, and trigger mood-elevating hormones for emergency responders facing prolonged trauma and high-stress shifts.
To every four-legged volunteer bringing smiles to our firefighters: thank you for helping lift the spirits of those who keep us safe.
This morning with tongues out and tails wagging, Scout and Frankie stopped by the Marina Incident Command Post (ICP) to spread the love.
Reminder: The road closures on Highway 1 are still in effect. These are put in place for the safety of the public along with keeping firefighters and utility workers safe while working on the highway.
The northern portion of the Highway 1 closure is located at Mile Marker 42.6, 1/2 mile south of Deetjen's Big Sur Inn.
The southern portion of the Highway 1 closure is located at Mile Marker 37 at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Vista Point.
El vocero de información pública, Luis Perez proporciona una actualización sobre el incendio Timber.
Mira este video: Actualización sobre el incendio Timber 8.20.26
Timber Fire Operations Section Chief Marc Bontrager provides a detailed overview on overnight efforts and the plan for today to grow containment on the fire.
VIDEO: Operational Update 8.20.2026
The marine layer did not develop overnight as it has been. This gave firefighters opportunities to further strengthen containment lines, mop up, and address any hot spots along the coastal part of the fire.
The eastern side of the fire continues to see the most activity and includes two areas. On the northeastern side, the fire continues to back slowly toward the Big Sur River, in the southeastern portion, near Longwood Ridge, the fire is burning through patchy areas of vegetation.
Today helicopters will continue to use water drops and retardant to address the eastern activity of the fire. Crews will continue to extend contingency lines to the north and south of the fire.
Warm and dry conditions are forecast for today. Marine layer clouds are expected along the coast with clear skies later this morning. In the higher elevations, clear skies with some scattered high clouds are expected.
Firefighters made significant progress again today, which resulted in some Evacuation Orders being reduced to Evacuation Warnings. The northern road closure on Highway 1 was modified again. Cooperating agencies continue to work toward restoring utilities and access to Highway 1.
Firefighters are working to secure lines along the northeastern portion of the fire which experienced moderated fire activity today. The fire did cross over the Pine Ridge Trail and firefighters are working to contain those hot spots with water drops and fire retardant. Visible smoke is a result of fire activity from this area of the fire and the Longwood Ridge area as it burns through patchy vegetation.
Fire crews were also successful tying in sections of contingency lines to the north and south of the fire.
High pressure built over the fire today, bringing a warming and drying trend and compressing the marine layer. Areas of the fire above the marine layer saw a drying trend with and relative humidities are expected to lower overnight.
VIDEO: Rana Mobile Retardant Base
There have been changes to Evacuation Orders, Warnings and the Highway 1 Road Closure. The shelter at Carmel Middle School has closed.
ORDERS:
- MRY – FO27-B
- MRY – FO28-A
WARNINGS
- MRY –FO21-B
- MRY -FO22
- MRY -FO23
- MRY -FO24
- MRY -FO25
- MRY – FO26
- MRY-FO27-A
- MRY – FO28-B
- MRY-FO29
The northern portion of the Highway 1 road closure is now located at Mile Marker 42.6, 1/2 mile south of Deetjen's Big Sur Inn. The southern portion of the closure is located at Mile Marker 37 at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Vista Point.
El vocero de información pública, Ricardo Coronado proporciona una actualización sobre el incendio Timber. Mira este video: Actualización sobre el incendio Timber 8.19.26
Timber Fire Operations Section Chief Marc Bontrager provides a detailed look at today's operational plan. VIDEO: Operations Update 8.19.2026
There was limited fire growth overnight on the eastern portion of the fire around Longwood Ridge. Fire activity was minimal and today ground crews will be supported with helicopter water drops to secure hand lines.
On the northeastern side, the fire is backing slowly towards the Big Sur River and burning at a low intensity. The fire remains south of the Big Sur River.
On the western side of the fire, crews will continue to improve contingency lines and mop up. Cooperating agencies will continue to assess the road conditions of Highway 1 and address utility and safety concerns.
High pressure continues to build, compressing the marine layer and bringing a warming and drying trend over the fire. Marine layer clouds are expected along the coast with sunny skies later in the day. VIDEO: Aerial View from Helicopter
Due to significant progress made by firefighters, some of the Evacuation Orders were reduced to Evacuation Warnings, and the northern road closure on Highway 1 was modified. Cooperating agencies continue clearing road debris and working to restore utilities in the area.
Smoke is visible on the eastern side of the fire as it moves northwest of Mount Olmstead. Helicopters supported ground crews with water drops that helped control and moderate fire spread.
Firefighters remain focused on strengthening hand lines, mopping up, identifying remaining hot spots, and increasing containment.
High pressure continues to build over the fire, compressing the marine layer. This is producing warmer, drier conditions across portions of the fire area. Nocturnal drying above the marine layer will bring relative humidity down to 15% across higher elevations.
The fire is now 24% contained.
The following Evacuation Orders have been reduced to Evacuation Warnings:
- MRY-F023
- MRY-F025
- MRY-F026
The Timber Fire has grown to 5,268 acres.
Changes to Highway 1 road closure:
- The northern portion of the closure is from south of Alila Ventana Resort and Post Ranch Inn, Mile Marker 44.5
- The southern portion of the closure is from Mile Marker 37 at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Vista Point
La vocera de información pública, Connie Lau, proporciona una actualización sobre el incendio Timber.
mira este video: actualización sobre el incendio de Timber
Timber Fire Operations Section Chief Marc Bontrager provides a detailed operational report. VIDEO: Operational Briefing
The Timber Fire is now 5,239 acres.
There was minimal fire activity throughout the evening, with all containment lines holding. Firefighters continue to mop up and secure lines along the southern portion of the fire near Partington Ridge. Conditions were not favorable for conducting any burning operations overnight.
Fire crews are working to remove debris and roll off on Highway 1 from the firing operations that have occurred. Crews are working hard to reopen Highway 1 once safety concerns have been addressed.
Fire crews will continue to hold the fire south of the Big Sur River along the lines of the Ventana Wilderness to the east.
As high pressure builds, the marine layer will continue to gradually compress over the next couple days. Clouds and patchy fog are expected this morning on the coastal side of the fire with some sun after midday. Sunshine and partly cloudy skies are predicted for the eastern side of the fire.
Due to exceptionally favorable weather conditions, firefighters continued making good progress today along the southern portion of the fire. Fire crews are securing control lines, increasing containment, and advancing line construction toward Highway 1 and Torre Creek. This work supports burning operations and secures the fire edge.
Fire crews continued addressing areas of heat along the Coast Road area. They continue to reinforce containment lines toward the Big Sur River.
In the northeastern area of the fire, ground crews are supported by helicopters conducting water drops on hot areas near the line. Firefighters were successful in addressing areas of concern along the Pine Crest trail.
Lastly, in the southeastern part of the fire, fire behavior was minimal in the Logwood Creek area. Fire crews are taking advantage of this reduced fire activity to improve natural and existing control features.
High pressure built over the fire area, compressing the marine layer which resulted in drier conditions across higher elevations and an earlier clearing time for low clouds. Conditions were cool and humid with morning drizzle. This trend is expected to continue
Highway 1 remains closed for public and firefighter safety. The northern closure is at Mile Marker 45.1 near the Big Sur Bakery, and the southern closure is near Mile Marker 37 at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
Los Padres National Forest has a closure order in effect for trails and roads in the fire area.
Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) continue to support firing operations, strategically backing fire down toward Highway 1. These UAS drop ignition devices into difficult-to-access areas to safely burn and consume vegetation. This helps reduce the risk of firefighter injury while accelerating the firing operation. These efforts are helping secure the fire’s edge and strengthen containment lines along the south end of the incident.
The fire is now 21% contained.
The Timber Fire has grown to 5,189 acres.
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Los Padres National Forest. This Order is effective from August 16, 2026, until the Timber Fire is declared out. DETAILS: Closure Order Number 05-07-51-26-08 Timber Fire Road & Trail Closure
Mitch Matlow, Vocero de información pública del incendio Timber, ofrece una actualización.
mira este video: Actualización sobre el incendio Timber 8.17.26
A portion of Highway 1 remains closed for public and firefighter safety. The northern closure is at Mile Marker 45.1 near the Big Sur Bakery, and the southern closure is near Mile Marker 37 at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
Timber Fire Operations Section Chief Marc Bontrager provides a detailed look at overnight operations and the plan for today.
VIDEO: Operational Update 8.17.2026
Conditions were favorable throughout the evening for firefighters to conduct burning operations on the southern end of the fire. Firefighters were able to successfully bring fire down to Highway 1 near Partington Ridge.
Crews continue mop up operations along the coastal side of the fire. Firefighters continue to look for and address areas of heat toward the Big Sur River. The fire remains south of the Big Sur River.
There was minimal fire activity throughout the night. On the northern portion of the fire, firefighters will continue working to bring fire down to Highway 1 and secure containment lines.
Cloudy skies are expected through mid-morning before seeing afternoon sun with patchy clouds on the coastal side of the fire. The warming trend continues today, however high pressure is expected to build overnight, compressing the marine layer.
VIDEO: Helicopter Makes Water Drop
The Timber Fire has grown to 5,153 acres.
El Bosque Nacional de Los Padres tiene una orden de cierre en vigor para los senderos y caminos en el área del incendio.
Favorable weather and moderated fire behavior allowed crews a highly productive shift as they strengthened containment lines and conducted strategic firing operations. In Torre Canyon, firefighters carried out burning operations to bring the fire down toward Highway 1. Crews will continue working into the evening to improve containment line toward the highway.
Crews also reinforced critical containment lines along key natural features and ridges. Firefighters secured the line leading down to the Big Sur River from the Coast Ridge Road dogleg, while ground teams off the Pine Ridge Trail improved dozer lines pushing toward Big Sur Creek. Together, these coordinated efforts fortified defensive boundaries across the northern and interior divisions.
Conditions trended warmer and drier today, with inland temperatures reaching the 80s while coastal areas remained in the 60s to mid-70s. The marine layer is expected to persist moving forward, but its continued compression will limit relative humidity recovery at night across higher elevations.
The Timber Fire has grown to 5,103 acres and containment is now 17%.
El vocero de información pública, Luis Pérez, proporciona una actualización sobre el incendio Timber.
mira este video: Actualización sobre el incendio Timber
Please watch Operations Section Chief Marc Bontrager provide a detailed operational update on what happened overnight and the plan for today. VIDEO: Operational Update 8.16.2026
Dozer and handlines constructed along Partington Ridge are holding well. Outside of yesterday’s burning operations, there was no new fire growth in this area of the fire. Fire activity near Longwood Creek has decreased. Firefighters continue to work down the ridge, to strengthen containment.
Fire activity near the Pine Ridge Trail system has remained minimal with some smaller areas of fire holding near the trail.
A forest closure will be in effect today to protect the public and firefighters and minimize people in the area where fire operations are occurring.
Steep terrain has limited access to some portions of containment line, making heat detection extremely difficult. Firefighters continue to cold trail and look for signs of fire activity in those areas.
A warming and drying trend begins today as high pressure builds over the region. Areas on the western portion of the fire may remain cloudy and foggy this morning with some afternoon sunshine and patchy clouds later in the day. The eastern portion of fire is expected to be clearer and warmer throughout the day.
The Timber Fire is now about two-thirds of the way down the slope at Partington Ridge. Firefighters are conducting burning operations to bring the fire to established control lines near the bottom of Torre Canyon. Firefighters are also working along Highway 1 and doing everything they can to safely secure the area and defend structures.
Firefighters are working directly off Coast Ridge Road near the Pine Ridge Trail System. The goal is to secure the northwestern side and maintain containment south of the Big Sur River.
The fire continues to burn at a low intensity in the wilderness and has shown little growth in the last 24 hours. Activity around Olmstead Mountain also has remained minimal. Firefighters continue to utilize heavy helicopters and water drops in other areas of the Wilderness to check hotspots as needed.
On Sunday, heavy morning fog along the coast will moderate fire behavior at lower elevations but may limit early morning visibility and air support operations until the marine layer lifts. Active burning and elevated fire potential will remain focused on upper ridges and drier east-side vegetation above the fog line.
From Caltrans Central Coast District 5: A quick reminder for travelers as we approach the weekend. A 10-mile stretch of Highway 1 in Big Sur remains closed to support Timber Fire operations. From 2 miles north of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to the Big Sur Bakery. Please avoid unnecessary travel in the area and use US 101 as an alternate route. We appreciate the hard work of first responders and stand with the Big Sur community during this challenging time.
The Timber Fire acreage has grown to 4,868.
The Timber Fire is now 4,655 acres and remains 12% contained.
Timber Fire Operations Section Chief Marc Bontrager explains how a firing operation will help contain the Timber Fire and the plan for today.
Yesterday’s clear skies allowed firefighters to do a good assessment on the fire. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) showed some remaining heat in the heavy vegetation above houses, and crews are targeting those areas today. The area around Castro Canyon showed the most remaining heat. Aircraft hit the fire hard yesterday, reinforcing and connecting lines that were not yet completed by firefighters.
Firefighters took advantage of the conditions to clean up remaining vegetation between the active fire edge and containment line using burning operations along Partington Road. Those operations were successful and were halted when the window of opportunity closed at around 3pm.
Dozer and handline is complete on the north side of the fire in the steep drainage to the Big Sur River. Rollout continues to occur there, but the fire did not progress much over the Pine Ridge Trail system yesterday.
The east side of the fire was more active yesterday with drier conditions. A considerable push of heavy equipment has been moved into place and fire lines from previous fires are being opened and reinforced.
Similar weather to yesterday is predicted for today, with a cloudy start with some afternoon sunshine. Any morning clouds along ridges and east of the fire should erode quickly with winds increasing in the afternoon. A warming and drying trend is predicted through the weekend and into next week.
The Timber Fire community meeting was held today. If you were unable to attend, you can view the meeting here. Timber Fire Community Meeting
Favorable weather conditions significantly improved visibility on the west side of the Timber Fire today, allowing crews to conduct a visual assessment of the area.
There was increased fire activity, and clear conditions allowed air and ground resources to engage. Fire crews reinforced retardant lines above structures along Partington Road, extending north toward Ventana to fortify primary containment and structure defense operations.
On the northern flank, the fire experienced movement across the Pine Ridge Trail system toward the Big Sur River. Heavy helicopters provided critical aerial support, targeting active hotspots and reinforcing indirect containment lines.
Along the eastern perimeter, the fire continues a slow, backing movement downhill toward the drainage. Ground crews are constructing a combination of direct and indirect containment lines where accessible. Extreme, rugged terrain continues to limit access along the eastern edge; however, crews are safely maneuvering through the area, seizing opportunities to build line while actively monitoring fire behavior.
The marine layer is expected to continue covering the area through Saturday in the lower elevations. A warming and drying trend is forecasted above the marine layer, leading to rising temperatures, lowering humidity, and increasing fire activity above the marine layer.
As crews continue their firefighting efforts against the Timber Fire, it’s important to stay alert and receive local notifications for your area. Sign up for emergency alerts through Monterey County here. ReadyMontereyCounty
Operations Section Chief Mike Wink delivers a comprehensive overview of overnight suppression efforts alongside today's strategic objectives.
VIDEO: Operational Update 8.14.2026
On the southern edge of the fire, work is complete on containment line from DeAngulo Ridge to Partington Road and on containment line on the Coast Ridge Trail southeast toward Highway 1.
Work overnight continued behind homes east of Highway 1, with crews cutting handline to create a continuous containment feature behind them. The fire has shown very little activity there for several days.
There is fire confirmed over the Pine Ridge Trail system, with rollout toward the Big Sur River. However, the fire remains to the south of the Big Sur River, which is a key containment objective. Dozer and handline have been completed to ensure that containment remains secure.
The eastern side of the fire was active overnight in the area of Olmstead Mountain. Containment lines previously opened with equipment are being reopened and opportunities for suppression closer to the fire’s edge are being assessed. Residents in Carmel Valley and in communities with access to previously utilized lines can expect to see equipment entering the area today.
The trough of low pressure off the coast will continue to bring cooler and wetter conditions to the coastal side of the fire for the next several days , while the area above the marine layer and to the east of the fire can expect warmer and drier conditions with afternoon sunshine possible.
Aviation resources continue to play a critical role in supporting firefighters on the ground and protecting communities throughout the incident.
The Timber Fire is 4,545 acres and 7% contained.
The heavy marine layer moderated fire activity, and the fire is currently hung up above the houses on the east side of Highway 1. Crews continue to create containment lines behind the houses and remain on scene at each structure. Some of this is complete, but steep drainages make this work very difficult, especially without the assistance of aircraft which has been severely limited by fog.
In addition, a dozer line is being constructed along Coast Ridge Road south from De Angulo Canyon southwest toward Highway 1 for use as a contingency line should it become necessary.
To the north, the fire has crossed the Pine Ridge Trail system and is backing towards the Big Sur River. Contingency lines are in place should it cross the river. Cooler, wetter conditions also helped lessen fire activity on the east side of the fire. The fire has crossed Longwood Creek and is currently on Olmstead Mountain. A deep marine layer has moved in and will dominate the Highway 1 corridor in the area the next few days. Expect warmer and drier conditions by the weekend. VIDEO: Marine Layer Moves In
Here is the latest information on the Timber Fire with Incident Management Team 1 Operations Section Chief Marc Bontrager.
VIDEO: Operational Update 8.16.2026
Firefighters were engaged overnight on the south end of the fire working down Partington Ridge toward Highway 1 to tie handline into completed dozer line to cut off the fire’s south/southeastern spread.
Engines assigned behind structures west of Highway 1 remained in place overnight to ensure that they were not impacted by fire. Very little fire activity was observed as humidity rose to almost 90% under the heavy marine layer. Operations today will focus on the same priorities, engaging direct line construction was possible to cut the fire off from impacting structures. On the northern side of the fire, night shift crews completed line all the way down to Big Sur River from the Coast Ridge Road to inhibit northward spread.
The fire continued to burn actively above the marine layer overnight. Day shift crews are working actively to open old fire lines as contingency as well as finding safe and effective places to put new lines as close as possible to the active fire edge.The system that brought showers and thunderstorms into the area has moved to the east and the heavy marine layer is expected to dominate for the next few days. A warming, drying trend is anticipated into the weekend.
The Timber Fire is 4,245 acres and 7% contained.
Cooler temperatures and high humidity mitigated temperatures and fire activity in some areas of the Timber Fire today, allowing crews a window to get good work done. However, the fire has been burning for several days in heavy vegetation, and this rain event will not fully extinguish the fire. Erratic winds from thunderstorm activity impacted the fire, and firefighters were pulled off assignments for their safety briefly this afternoon while a large thunder cell passed over the area.
The fire has burned almost to Highway 1 at Grimes Canyon. It continues to back slowly towards structures along Highway 1 between Ventana and Partington Ridge Road. Firefighters continue to prioritize structure defense in those areas.
Despite the heavy cloud cover at lower elevations, the higher elevations and eastern side of the fire remained clear, and the fire was still active. Crews are looking for new opportunities to suppress the fire directly along its active edge. The fire has progressed to the southeast over Longwood Creek.
The use of aircraft was hampered for much of the day due to compromised visibility and inclement weather, but clearing skies late in the day allowed for helicopters to resume work on the top and east side of the fire.
Thunderstorm/shower activity is expected to taper off overnight as any lingering storms move eastward. A heavy marine layer is anticipated to settle in lower elevations overnight, with partial clearing anticipated by tomorrow afternoon. Clear skies and mild temperatures are anticipated in elevations over 2000’ ASL in advance of much warmer temperatures arriving this weekend.
Per CHP - Monterey, the SR 1 closure has been adjusted on the Northside to the following location: Northside: Mile Post Marker 45.1 (by the Big Sur Bakery / Big Sur Post Office). The Southside closure is still the same.
Firefighters have reengaged in the Timber Fire. There is continued potential for isolated showers and thunderstorms. Even where rainfall is limited, lightning and outflow winds could create changes in fire behavior.
Conditions across the Timber Fire are generating active cloud-to-ground lightning strikes, forcing ground crews to temporarily disengage from containment lines and fall back to designated safe zones for firefighter safety. A passing upper-level weather system across the Central Coast continues to bring a 15–20% chance of thunderstorms through the afternoon and evening, creating elevated operational risks marked by strong, erratic wind gusts and atmospheric instability.
Personnel and public safety remain the highest priority for incident command. Ground operations will resume, and firefighters will reassess fire behavior, as soon as the lightning hazard subsides and safety conditions allow crews to safely re-engage on the lines.
Timber Fire activity surged early this morning and remained active around Partington Ridge and Coast Ridge Road along the southern edge. Firefighters continue protecting structures as the fire backs toward Highway 1. On the west side near Partington Ridge, dozer operators and ground crews built line to Highway 1, while crews mopped up hot spots and conducted tactical patrols around homes. Near Ventana, firefighters are mopping up around structures and completing hand line. Rolling debris and embers along Coast Ridge Road caused spot fires, but aggressive tactics contained them.
On the northern flank, bulldozers began cutting line along a ridgeline toward Highway 1 and the Big Sur River. The eastern side remains active in wilderness areas, where firefighters are looking for safe opportunities to engage. Overnight activity increased above 1,000 feet on the western flank, while crews continued prioritizing structure protection east of Highway 1 from Ventana south to Partington Road. Hotshot crews are working through steep, heavy vegetation to establish containment lines as conditions allow, with additional resources arriving on scene.
Weather conditions could become more challenging this afternoon into the evening. There is a 15–20% chance of thunderstorms entering the fire area, which could bring strong, erratic winds and unstable conditions. Elevated fire weather conditions are possible, although conditions are expected to vary significantly across the fire area depending on location.
The Timber Fire acreage has increased to 3,150. The fire stayed active overnight in the higher elevations above the fog line. It grew up steep hillsides, ignited individual trees, and slowly crept downhill.
According to CHP - Monterey, due to the continued spread of the Timber Fire and ongoing evacuations, State Route 1 is now closed to the public at the following locations: Northside - 47200 SR-1 (Fernwood Resort) and Southside - Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Vista Point (MPM 37) - per CHP - Monterey | Salinas CA
There are changes to Evacuation Orders and Warnings.
The County of Monterey says the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is offering assistance evacuating and sheltering pets impacted by the Timber Fire.
Call (831) 373-2631 during the day or (831) 646-5534 after hours for emergency assistance.
Overnight, the northern and eastern portions of the fire remained active, burning primarily above the marine layer. Firefighters observed single tree torching and upslope runs. The fire continues to hold on the east side of Highway 1.
Firefighters continued to protect structures primarily near Highway 1 in the Ventana area. They cleared brush and other potential threats around property, set up water systems, and secured access for firefighters and firefighting apparatus. The heavy marine layer prevented night flying helicopters by limiting visibility to dip sites located below the marine layer. Crews are actively working to establish a water dip site above the inversion layer today.
Early to mid-week, warmer and dryer conditions are expected over the eastern portions of the fire. There is a 15% chance of showers and thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon and evening.
The Timber Fire is now 2,000 acres and 5% contained.
Per the County of Monterey, this morning at 9:00 a.m., the Temporary Evacuation Point (TEP) will co-locate with the evacuation shelter at Carmel Middle School, providing evacuees with a centralized location to receive incident information, resource referrals, and assistance coordinating next steps as conditions evolve.
According to County of Monterey, all State Parks in the Big Sur area are closed due to the Timber Fire.
State Route 1 is now open for: Point Sur Lighthouse Vista Point and Near Mile Marker 37.5. Please drive carefully and watch for emergency personnel and equipment.
Firefighters continue working to build containment lines on the Timber Fire along the Highway 1 corridor. The fire is moving at a slow rate of spread, burning primarily along the ground through grass, brush, and oak woodland. It has not moved into the treetops. Ground crews are working to access difficult terrain while aircraft support them from above by dropping water and retardant on active areas to slow the fire's growth.
A major focus of the response is protecting nearby homes and preventing the fire from crossing Highway 1. Safety remains the highest priority as commanders adjust their strategy to changing weather and terrain. Residents and drivers are asked to stay alert for increased emergency vehicle traffic along Highway 1 and to keep clear of active firefighting areas. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
There are changes to Evacuation Orders and Warnings.
The Timber Fire is now 1,723 acres.
Changes have been made to Evacuation Warnings.
Due to the continued spread of the Timber Fire and ongoing evacuations, State Route 1 is now closed to the public (except residents) at the following locations:
- Point Sur Lighthouse
- Vista Point - Near Mile Marker 37.5
The Timber Fire is now 1,300 acres and 5% contained, per remote sensing aircraft.
The Timber Fire is now 800 acres.
Zones MRY-F026 and MRY-F027 have been upgraded to Evacuation Orders. New Evacuation Warnings have been issued for MRY-F024, MRY-F025 and MRY-F028.
For the latest evacuation information, please visit: Monterey County Department of Emergency Management.
Hollister Air Attack Base is currently serving as an tanker reload base for the Timber Fire in Monterey County.
The fire is currently 400 acres and 5% contained. The fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain with difficult access. CAL FIRE air and ground resources continue to support firefighting operations.
The Timber Fire is now 400 acres.
The Timber Fire is now 376 acres.
Evacuation Warnings for zones: MRY-F026 and MRY-F027 have been issued.
The Timber Fire is approximately 180 acres and continues to burn in steep, rugged terrain with heavy vegetation, making access difficult for firefighters. Ground crews and aircraft are actively working the fire, with CAL FIRE assisting the Los Padres National Forest. Firefighters remain focused on slowing the fire’s spread and protecting nearby communities.
The Timber Fire is now 180 acres.
The Timber Fire is 100 acres and 20% contained. Ground resources and fixed wing are on scene with helicopter and additional ground resources en route. The fire is in a remote location with difficult access.
Additional Information
Road Closures
A portion of highway 1 is closed in connection to the Plaskett Fire:
- The closure is from mile marker 19 at the Kirk Creek Campground down to mile marker 10.5 north of Gorda near the Willow Springs Caltrans Yard
ALERTCalifornia Camera Feed
Resources Assigned
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1,627Personnel
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10Helicopters
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67Engines
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24Dozers
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31Water Tenders
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22Crews
Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the State are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow.
Damage Assessment
Confirmed Damage to Property, Injuries, and Fatalities.
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661Structures ThreatenedResidential, Commercial and Other
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3Confirmed Firefighter Injuries
Contact Information
Timber Fire Information
2026.timber@firenet.gov
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