The Timber Fire burning in Big Sur continued to grow overnight, with the fire having burned 2,000 acres and containing 5% as of 7 a.m. Tuesday
.
The fire was first reported around 9:40 p.m. Saturday in the Los Padres National Forest southeast of Loma Vista
, erupting in California’s Monterey County.
The blaze sparked in a remote location with difficult access for firefighters
.
The fire quickly scorched 400 acres by Sunday morning, and by Monday afternoon it had more than quadrupled in size
.
Around 480 firefighters from across the state responded to the Timber Fire as of Monday night
.
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
.
The fire is moving at a slow rate of spread, burning primarily along the ground through grass, brush, and oak woodland and has not moved into the treetops
.
Immediate evacuation orders have been issued for residents in zones MRY-F026 and MRY-F027 near Partington Ridge and North Coast Ridge roads, which also include the Alila Ventana Big Sur resort and several other hotels, restaurants and businesses
.
The evacuation order has forced the closure of several Big Sur businesses and attractions including Nepenthe, and the evacuation of guests from hotels including Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn and the Alila Ventana hotel and campground
.
The Alila Ventana Big Sur, a luxury property, issued a statement on its operations. Sebastian Gurevich, representing the resort, told the outlet: “Resort operations will remain suspended while the Evacuation Order is in effect. We remain in close communication with local emergency authorities and will continue to closely monitor the situation and follow their guidance.”
Announcing its temporary closure in an Instagram post, the Henry Miller Memorial Library wrote: “We implore you: Do not come to Big Sur,” and said “This is an incredibly serious situation” and “Fewer cars on the road allow CalFire and emergency services to do their job as effectively and safely as possible”
.
Cal Fire Battalion Chief Josh Silveira said: “Firefighters on the ground are experiencing some extremely steep and rugged terrain mixed with hot, dry temperatures and winds that are pretty variable,” with the winds “switching directions pretty regularly, so it’s definitely giving us challenges in getting the upper hand on this type of fire”
.
A major focus of the response is protecting nearby homes and preventing the fire from crossing Highway 1
.
A shelter opened Monday night at Carmel Middle School, and the SPCA of Monterey County will co-locate at the shelter to support evacuees with animals
.
Regional hotels are offering discounted rates to evacuees
.
Highway 1 in the area was closed to the public, except for residents, at Point Sur Lighthouse and at the Vista Point near mile marker 37.5
.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office wrote: “We are respectfully asking the public to stay out of the area. Roadways must remain clear so first responders can work safely and effectively. Unnecessary traffic and sightseeing in the fire zone create hazards for emergency crews and slow down critical operations”
.
State parks including Point Sur State Historic Park, Andrew Molera State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park are closed
.
In the viral moment that sparked evacuations, the fast-moving blaze forced visitors and workers to flee from several of the area’s best-known destinations over Sunday and Monday.
The wildfire spurring evacuation orders encompassed iconic destinations such as Nepenthe restaurant, the Henry Miller Memorial Library and the Alila Ventana resort
. The fire came during Big Sur’s busy summer tourism season, prompting officials to urge visitors to stay away.
There are no immediate reports of injuries
, and
the cause of the fire is under investigation
.
More firefighters are expected in the coming days to provide relief for those who have been on the line since Saturday
.