The Timber Fire burning in California’s Monterey County has grown to nearly 2,500 acres as hundreds of structures remain threatened and firefighters battle difficult conditions in the Big Sur area.
According to KSBW, as of Tuesday morning, the fire had reached 2,478 acres and remained just 5% contained. A total of 259 structures are currently threatened as evacuation orders remain in place for several areas.
The latest numbers mark another substantial jump for a wildfire that was reported at only 180 acres on Sunday. It grew to approximately 400 acres Sunday evening, doubled to 800 acres by Monday morning, and reached 1,723 acres Monday afternoon.
Nearly 500 personnel are now assigned to the Timber Fire, including 36 engines, 13 hand crews, eight helicopters, seven water tenders, and five dozers. Air tankers from across California are also available to assist when conditions allow.
Firefighters Battle Growing Timber Fire Near Highway 1
The northern and eastern portions of the Timber Fire remained active overnight, with firefighters reporting individual trees torching and portions of the blaze making uphill runs.
Despite that activity, officials say the fire continues to hold east of Highway 1, with protecting nearby structures in the Ventana area remaining a major priority.
The fire began at approximately 9:38 p.m. Saturday southeast of Loma Vista in Los Padres National Forest and has grown rapidly since. After reaching just 180 acres Sunday, it expanded to 2,478 acres by Tuesday morning while remaining 5% contained.
Evacuation Orders Remain as 259 Structures Are Threatened
Evacuation orders remain in place for zones MRY-F023, MRY-F025, MRY-F026, MRY-F027, and part of MRY-F028 A, including the Ventana Inn. Warnings are also in effect for MRY-F021-A, MRY-F022, MRY-F024, and MRY-F028 B, with residents urged to prepare their belongings, pets, essential documents, and emergency supplies in case conditions worsen.
The Big Sur Inn is one of the many businesses that were affected when the order went into place. In fact, they had no more vacancies at the time of the order, so they went around to each of the twenty rooms with guests in them to help them evacuate before helping the staff that lived on-site.
A few other massive closures in the area included Alila Ventana Big Sur, Henry Willer Library, Andrew Molera State Park, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
Viewers Thank Firefighters and Worry About Big Sur
Much of the reaction online has centered on concern for firefighters, residents, animals, and the famously scenic landscape surrounding Big Sur. “Thank you firefighters,” one person simply wrote, while another called firefighters “heroes” and offered prayers for everyone dealing with the blaze.
Others were particularly upset to see a wildfire threatening an area they have strong personal connections to. One commenter described it as “the most scenic area” and recalled their father’s friends living throughout the region, adding that they loved the entire area and were saddened to see it threatened.
The area’s natural environment was another major concern. “Protect the redwoods at all costs,” one viewer wrote, while another described Carmel and the surrounding coastline as a stunning part of the world.
Others are already wondering how the Timber Fire began, although investigators have not yet announced a cause. For now, the overwhelming sentiment remains concern for those in the fire’s path and gratitude toward the hundreds of firefighters trying to bring it under control.
Currently, additional information about the fire is being updated on the Cal Fire Facebook page.