Cal Fire reports Timber Fire at 12,600 acres, expands evacuations in Monterey County

The Timber Fire has spread to 12,616 acres in Monterey County and is 25% contained, CAL FIRE said Monday morning. The blaze continues to move through the Los Padres National Forest, merging on the northern and eastern edges and adding acreage in the Ventana Wilderness. Fire activity is expected to advance upcanyon through the Lion Creek drainage toward Ventana Double Cone and the upper Carmel River basin, while crews hold the line at Logwood Ridge and prepare for aerial water and retardant drops.

Firefighters are also addressing hot spots in the Torre Canyon area and mopping up along the coastal side of the fire. Contingency lines are being strengthened north and south of the perimeter.

Evacuation orders and warnings were revised Sunday to cover a broad portion of the Los Padres National Forest east of Big Sur Village. Orders apply to several designated zones, while warnings extend along more than 40 miles of Highway 1 from the Big Creek Reserve Gate Cabin north to Andrew Molera State Park. Highway 1 remains open, but drivers are advised to exercise caution or use alternate routes.

The Tassajara Zen Mountain Center has been placed under an evacuation order, prompting the cancellation of its guest season and the evacuation of students due to smoke and deteriorating air quality. Forecasts call for high clouds, slightly lower temperatures and a marginally deeper marine layer, which could modestly reduce fire activity, though overnight humidity is expected to stay low.

A total of 1,368 personnel, including 81 engines, 28 hand crews, 10 bulldozers, 15 water tenders and 14 helicopters, are assigned to the incident. The fire, which ignited on Aug. 8 southeast of Loma Vista, has an undetermined cause and threatens 661 structures.