The Timber fire in Big Sur continues to grow rapidly, nearly 20 days after its initial outbreak, prompting officials to issue new closure orders for Highway 1 and local businesses. The blaze has expanded significantly, fueled by challenging terrain and anticipated high winds.
On Thursday, the Timber fire grew by approximately 4,000 acres, escalating from roughly 19,000 acres in the morning to over 23,000 acres by evening, according to Battalion Chief Josh Silveira of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). The National Weather Service has forecast dry lightning and winds up to 50 mph for Friday, posing a significant risk of rapid fire spread.
Adding to the complexity, the uncontained Plaskett fire, which ignited Tuesday about 30 miles down the coast, is also burning in Monterey County and has reached approximately 140 acres. While the proximity allows for resource deployment, it strains the availability of personnel and equipment for the larger Timber fire, which is currently 21% contained, a decrease from 25% earlier in the week.
Firefighters are contending with steep, rugged terrain and strong, erratic winds that impede containment efforts. Red flag fire conditions are expected Friday, and residents are advised to prepare for potential power outages. Despite the intensity of the fire, no civilian or firefighter injuries have been reported, and no structures have been destroyed, though some homes have experienced close calls with the fire's perimeter.
Approximately 600 residents have been subjected to evacuation orders due to both fires. The unique micro-climate of Big Sur, characterized by dropping relative humidity at night, exacerbates firefighting challenges. Lee Beyer, a spokesperson for the U.S. Forest Service, noted that fires in this region can typically last from three to eight weeks due to terrain and remoteness, potentially continuing until significant rainfall or snowfall occurs.
A 40-mile stretch of Highway 1 remains closed to support fire operations, and authorities are urging the public to avoid non-essential travel in the area. Businesses in Big Sur, a popular tourist destination, have been forced to close again, including the iconic Nepenthe restaurant and the Henry Miller Memorial bookshop, which have implored visitors to stay away to facilitate emergency response efforts.
