The Timber Fire in the Big Sur region of Monterey County has grown to over 3,000 acres.
Now in its fourth day, the wildfire has triggered evacuations of residents and visitors, closed state parks and popular businesses throughout the region and led to the closure of a segment of Highway 1.
Nearly 1,000 firefighters from across the state have been assigned to the blaze, Cal Fire Battalion Chief Josh Silveira said during a mid-day news briefing. Calling the fire "challenging" as is typical of fires in Big Sur, Silveira said mid-day weather conditions are helping "moderate fire conditions," but "we can't change the topography."
Fire officials are also tracking a line of thunderstorms heading to the fire area this evening, which could bring wind gusts up to 40 mph and unstable conditions.
"Elevated fire weather conditions are possible," the U.S. Forest Service noted in an Aug. 12 Facebook post, "although conditions are expected to vary significantly across the fire area depending on location."
The afternoon update came on the heels of a morning surge in fire activity along the fire's southern edge where firefighters continue to protect structures as the fire backs toward Highway 1, according to the U.S. Forest Service, which gave an overview of the growing blaze in the Facebook post.
"Overnight fire 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," the post read. "On the eastern side, in more wilderness areas, fire remains active and "firefighters are looking for safe opportunities to engage."
On the northern side, "bulldozers began cutting line along a ridgeline toward Highway 1 and the Big Sur River," the post continued. "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," the post noted. "Rolling debris and embers along Coast Ridge Road caused spot fires, but aggressive tactics contained them."
According to CalFire, the blaze has consumed 3,774 acres and 503 structures are threatened, as of 2:57 p.m. Aug. 12. The wildfire is 5% contained, where it has stood since Sunday.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The multi-agency response for the Timber Fire has involved Los Padres National Forest, CalFire, Monterey County CHP, Monterey County Sheriff's Office, Monterey County Department of Emergency Management and the county's public information team.
On Aug. 11, a day and night surveillance aircraft USFS FireWatch 51 was launched from southern California for a mapping and fire intel mission to assist local fire units.
Nearly 1,000 firefighters have been assigned to the Timber Fire, Silveira said.
"That includes engines, dozers, hand crews, support staff and then all of our aerial firefighters," said Silveira, adding that over a hundred thousand gallons of retardant have been dropped on the fire since yesterday.
Silveira said the collaboration between all of the responding agencies has been amazing.
"We all talk regularly and because of the relationships we've built through the years it really makes managing these events seamless because of all the work that's gone on prior to the emergency," said Silveira, adding a special acknowledgement to the Big Sur Fire Brigade which was first one scene.
"Our hats go off to the initial responders that went to this incident," Silveira said. "The folks from the Big Sur Fire Brigade were instrumental Saturday evening when this kicked off. Chief Harris and his folks down there really engaged the fire aggressively and did the best they could in those challenging conditions and really set us to understand the area."
He added that the Big Sur fire service, which is volunteer driven and funded almost entirely by grants, individual donations, and fundraising events, according to its website, continues to provide valuable assistance because "they have that local knowledge."
Referring to the closure of a 10-mile segment of Highway 1 at Big Sur, Silveira said, "we do not take those road closures lightly" and are constantly reevaluating conditions with their partners at CHP and Caltrans.
Highway 1 remains closed from 2-miles north of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (Post Mile 37.5) to Fernwood (Post Mile 47). The closure is in place to support firefighting and evacuation operations, officials said.
On Tuesday, Aug. 11, Monterey County Sheriff's Office issued an immediate Evacuation Order for MRY-F023. This follows evacuation orders issued Monday morning for regions MRY-F028-A and MRY-F025.
Prior evacuation orders were issued for MRY-F026 and MRY-F027, which included the luxury Ventana Inn.
Deetjen's Big Sur Inn posted on Instagram that "guests packed up and headed out safely," when the Evacuation Order came in. Nepenthe, Cafe Kevah and The Phoenix Shop are also closed.
See Monterey and Visit SLO CAL, have announced that hotels in both Monterey and San Luis Obispo County are offering evacuation rates for residents and visitors impacted by the fire. A list of properties and rates can be found here.
Evacuation orders are made when there is an immediate threat to life and property. Public safety officials advise impacted community members to load their family, pets and emergency supply kit and leave the area.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is offering assistance evacuating and sheltering pets impacted by the Timber Fire. Residents who need their help can call 831-373-2631 during the day or 831-646-5534 after hours for emergency assistance.
Evacuation warnings are in effect for MRY-F029, MRY-F022, MRY-F021-B, MRY-F024, and MRY-F028-B.
Public safety officials advise that when an evacuation warning is issued, assume an evacuation order could follow.
A temporary evacuation point at 47555 Highway 1 in Big Sur has been setup by the county to serve residents under the evacuation orders.
The Big Sur Station-Multi Agency Facility is a designated location for evacuees to temporarily gather, receive incident information and resource referrals, and coordinate next steps as conditions evolve. It will remain open Monday through Thursday or until evacuation orders are lifted, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
An emergency evacuation shelter for residents displaced by the wildfire has been set up in Carmel at Carmel Middle School, 4380 Carmel Valley Road. So far, three people have stayed overnight, and 30 folks came in during the day, according to county officials.
The shelter will remain open until evacuation orders from the Timber Fire in Big Sur have been lifted and evacuees are able to safely return home, according to county officials.
The shelter is equipped with essential supplies and services, including food and water and cots and blankets. The SPCA will be on site to provide a dedicated sheltering area and support for evacuees with pets.
Residents evacuating with animals are encouraged to bring their pets with them and, if possible, bring necessary pet food, medications, leashes, carriers and other essential supplies.
"We understand that being asked to leave your home—especially with little notice—is difficult and stressful," County Communications Director Nick Pasculli said in a statement. "Our priority is to make sure people affected by the Timber Fire have a safe place to go and the support they need while evacuation orders remain in effect."
The shelter is jointly run by the County of Monterey and American Red Cross.
This article originally appeared on Salinas Californian: Big Sur Timber Fire grows as crews battle the blaze