The Timber Fire in Monterey County grew rapidly Monday, reaching 800 acres — twice the size reported Sunday evening — while containment remained at just 5%.
The fast-moving wildfire forced the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office to issue urgent “LEAVE NOW!” evacuation orders late Sunday for zones MRY-F026 and MRY-F027, which include the area around the luxury Ventana Inn in Big Sur.
The blaze is burning southeast of Loma Vista in the steep, rugged landscape of Los Padres National Forest. It was first reported Saturday at about 9:38 p.m., according to KSBW.
Firefighters with the U.S. Forest Service and CAL FIRE are leading the response, but crews have faced major challenges from limited access, dense vegetation and stronger nighttime fire behavior, including spot fires.
Evacuation warnings remain in place for nearby zones MRY-F024, MRY-F025 and MRY-F028.
Additional firefighting resources have been deployed to the Timber Fire, with crews attacking the flames from the ground and aircraft supporting suppression efforts from above.
Authorities are urging people in evacuation order areas to leave immediately with family members, pets and important documents. Residents in warning zones should pack go-bags and be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
Officials have not yet determined the cause of the Timber Fire, which remains under investigation.
