The Timber Fire burning in Monterey County has surged to 800 acres, doubling in size since Sunday evening and prompting mandatory evacuation orders for parts of Big Sur. As of Monday morning, the blaze remained only 5% contained.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office issued immediate "LEAVE NOW!" evacuation orders for zones MRY-F026 and MRY-F027 late Sunday night. This area includes the luxury Ventana Inn in Big Sur.
The fire ignited Saturday night around 9:38 p.m. within the rugged terrain of the Los Padres National Forest, southeast of Loma Vista. Containment efforts by the U.S. Forest Service and CAL FIRE have been complicated by difficult access, heavy fuel loads, and spotting, a phenomenon where embers are carried by the wind to start new fires.
Evacuation warnings remain in effect for adjacent zones MRY-F024, MRY-F025, and MRY-F028. Authorities are advising residents in evacuation zones to leave immediately with family, pets, and essential documents, while those in warning zones are urged to pack go-bags and prepare for a swift departure.
Additional resources have been deployed to combat the flames, with personnel and aircraft engaged in firefighting operations. The exact cause of the Timber Fire is currently under investigation.