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Monterey County (KSBW) — The Timber Fire has grown to 800 acres in Monterey County and remains 5% contained Monday morning as evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect for areas of Big Sur.
CAL FIRE reported the fire at 800 acres and 5% containment in an incident update issued at 6:26 a.m. Monday. The fire had been reported at 400 acres and 5% containment Sunday night.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office issued an immediate evacuation order at 11 p.m. Sunday for zones MRY-F026 and MRY-F027. The evacuation order includes the Ventana Inn.
“LEAVE NOW!” the sheriff’s office said in announcing the orders.
Evacuation warnings remain in effect for zones MRY-F024, MRY-F025 and MRY-F028.
An evacuation order means people should leave the affected area because of an immediate threat to life and property. Officials are urging residents in evacuation order zones to take their families, pets and emergency supply kits and consider bringing essential documents and records.
People in evacuation warning zones should prepare to leave in case an evacuation order follows. Officials recommend packing a go-bag, gathering essential items and making arrangements for pets and large animals. People who need additional time or assistance to evacuate should also prepare now.
Residents can find the latest evacuation information through Alert Monterey County at alertmry.org/alerts.
The Timber Fire has continued to grow rapidly since Sunday. CAL FIRE reported the fire at 180 acres earlier Sunday before it grew to 400 acres Sunday evening and then doubled to 800 acres by Monday morning.
Containment remains at 5%. The fire had previously been reported at 20% contained as of 4:29 p.m. Sunday before CAL FIRE reported containment at 5% later Sunday night. Officials have not said what prompted the change in the reported containment percentage.
The U.S. Forest Service, which is the lead agency on the fire, said the Timber Fire started around 9:38 p.m. Saturday.
The fire is burning southeast of Loma Vista in the Los Padres National Forest.
Officials reported increased fire behavior Sunday evening, including spotting, as the fire continued to burn through heavy fuels in a remote area.
Crews have been dealing with steep, rugged terrain and difficult access, which the Forest Service said continues to hamper containment efforts.
A significant number of additional resources have been assigned to the fire, both on the ground and in the air. Aviation resources worked extensively on the fire Sunday and were expected to continue operating as weather conditions allow.
CAL FIRE’s Monday morning incident update lists no structures as damaged or destroyed and no civilian or firefighter injuries or fatalities.
The cause of the Timber Fire remains under investigation.
This is a developing story.
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