Timber Fire Update 
U.S. Forest Service – Los Padres National Forest

Timber Fire Information
Email: 2026.timber@firenet.gov 
Phone: 831-285-7006
Report Release: 6:58 am on August 24th, 2026

ACRES: 12,616 acres
CONTAINMENT: 25%

CURRENT SITUATION:
On the northern and eastern portions of the fire where increased activity recently occurred, the fire has merged, contributing to the increase of acreage into the Ventana Wilderness. The fire has reached partially up Island Mountain and overnight, it slowly backed down the drainage. Fire activity is expected to move upcanyon in the Lion Creek drainage toward Ventana Double Cone and the upper Carmel River basin. The fire is holding at Logwood Ridge, with firefighters preparing for firing operations along Coast Ridge Road. Due to the steep and rugged terrain, air resources will be available today to support with water and retardant drops.

To the south, firefighters continue to address hot spots in the Torre Canyon area from the firing operations that occurred last week. Firefighters continue mop up operations and removing equipment along the coastal side of the fire. Fire crews will continue to improve and strengthen contingency lines to north and south of the fire. 

WEATHER:
High clouds, slightly lower temperatures, and a marginally deeper marine layer are expected today. These conditions may lead to slightly less fire activity today. Wind direction will be dependent upon terrain. Relative humidity recovery is expected to remain poor with nocturnal drying. 

CLOSURES:
Los Padres National Forest has a closure order in effect for trails and roads in the fire area.

EVACUATION ORDERS:
MRY-F015-C
MRY-D082
MRY-D090
MRY-D089
MRY-D091
MRY-F031-A
MRY-F028-B

EVACUATION WARNINGS:
MRY-F015-B
MRY-D078
MRY-D084
MRY-D085
MRY-D086
MRY-D088
MRY-F031-B
MRY-F030-A
MRY-F030-B
MRY-F032-A
MRY-F032-B

RESOURCES ASSIGNED:
Personnel – 1,368
Helicopters – 14
Engines – 81
Dozers – 10
Water Tenders – 15
Crews – 28
Other Assigned: 453

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT:
Structures Threatened, Residential, Commercial and Other – 661

For the latest evacuation information, visit Ready Monterey County: https://www.readymontereycounty.org/

Office of Emergency Management or up-to-date information on road closures, visit California Highway Patrol at https://www.facebook.com/CHPMontereyArea.

Residents in and near evacuation zones are encouraged to remain vigilant, stay informed, and follow all evacuation orders and warnings.

Helpful Links: 
Incident Information – Facebook
Incident Information – Cal Fire
 Evacuation Map
#usfs #calfire #wildfire
Monterey County Sheriff’s Office CAL FIRE BEU CHP – Monterey
Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) American Red Cross Big Sur Fire
Monterey County Department of Emergency Management

This was from this morning s operation briefing: This is what they call their “big box.”

You will note from this that Tassajara is now under evacuation order.

Timber Fire Update  U.S. Forest Service – Los Padres National ForestTimber Fire Information Email: 2026.timber@firenet.gov  Phone: 831-285-7006 Report Release: 7:59 am on August 23rd, 2026ACRES: 9,665 acres CONTAINMENT: 25% CURRENT SITUATION: Due to critically low relative humidity and severe nocturnal drying, the two areas of increased fire activity continued to the northeast and east of the fire. On the northeastern side, the fire is well established north of the Big Sur River in the Lion Creek drainage and perimeter growth is expected to the north near Ventana Cone. Overnight, fire activity was moderated in this area as it backed slowly into the drainage. Due to the complex topography with steep, rugged terrain and intersecting river canyons, aircraft continues to be the primary resource on this part of the fire. Active fire is expected today due to predicted warmer, drier and windier conditions. This will once again result in visible smoke. On the eastern side of the fire, east of Mount Olmstead and north of Logwood Creek, the fire has crossed the South Fork of the Big Sur River and continues to burn to the east. Fire crews continue to prepare for burning operations along Coast Ridge Road to the south toward Anderson Peak. Firefighters will continue reinforcing contingency lines to the north and south of the fire.WEATHER: Elevated fire weather conditions are expected with continued warm and dry conditions predicted. Winds are expected to vary significantly by location depending on terrain and slope. CLOSURES: Los Padres National Forest has a closure order in effect for trails and roads in the fire area. EVACUATION ORDERS: MRY-F028-C MRY-F029 EVACUATION WARNINGS: MRY-F021-B MRY-F022 MRY-F023 MRY-F024 MRY-F025 MRY-F026 MRY-F027-A MRY-F028-B MRY-F029 RESOURCES ASSIGNED: Personnel – 1,250 Helicopters – 14 Engines – 80 Dozers – 11 Water Tenders – 17 Crews – 27 Other Assigned: 361 DAMAGE ASSESSMENT: Structures Threatened, Residential, Commercial and Other – 530 For the latest evacuation information, visit Ready Monterey County: https://www.readymontereycounty.org/ Office of Emergency Management or up-to-date information on road closures, visit California Highway Patrol at https://www.facebook.com/CHPMontereyArea. Residents in and near evacuation zones are encouraged to remain vigilant, stay informed, and follow all evacuation orders and warnings. Helpful Links:  Incident Information – Facebook Incident Information – Cal Fire  Evacuation Map #usfs #calfire #wildfire Monterey County Sheriff’s Office CAL FIRE BEU CHP – Monterey Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) American Red Cross Big Sur Fire Monterey County Department of Emergency Management

This was taken from the South Coast by Dave Nelson at 4 pm today;

Containment has gone down, acres burned has gone up, fire is in the wilderness now and only way it is currently being fought is via helicopter. Going to be a while, now.

CURRENT SITUATION:

Acres: 8,655  Percentage: 25%   Resources Assigned: 1,250

Due to significant fire behavior and activity on the eastern portion of the fire, Evacuation Orders and Warnings were modified today. The predicted winds did not surface as expected; this resulted in moderate fire activity and short, upslope fire runs. Relative humidity levels remain very low across active areas of the fire. Due to the complex topography which includes exceptionally steep, rugged terrain and intersecting river canyons, helicopters continue to be the main resource on this part of the fire. 

Today, fire crews worked diligently to secure and reinforce contingency lines around Mount Manuel to the north and Logwood Ridge to the south of the fire. Fire crews also initiated preparation of burning operations along Coast Ridge Road to the south toward Anderson Peak. 

WEATHER:

Warm and dry conditions continued today. Critically low relative humidity and severe nocturnal drying is expected this evening; fire activity is not expected to lessen overnight. 

CLOSURES:

Los Padres National Forest has a closure order in effect for trails and roads in the fire area.

EVACUATION ORDERS		EVACUATION WARNINGS
MRY-F028-C		MRY-F021-B
MRY-F029		MRY-F022
		MRY-F023
		MRY-F024
		MRY-F025
		MRY-F026
		MRY-F027-A
		MRY-F027-B
		MRY-F028-A
		MRY-F028-B
		MRY-F028-D

Timber Fire Information

2026.Timber@firenet.gov

(831) 285-7006

Website: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/calpf-timber-fire

lospadresnationalforest

MontereyCountySheriffsOffice

MontereyCoInfo  

linktr.ee/CAL_FIRE_BEU

Sorry I am so late…I got busy and then … well, life!

CURRENT SITUATION:

Acreage: 7,591     Containment: 29%     Resources Assigned: 1,202

Overnight, intelligence flights validated two new areas of increased fire activity on the eastern side of the fire. The fire did cross the Big Sur River and is moving toward Lion Creek to the east. The other area of increased activity was in the Longwood Ridge area with fire activity burning to the east. The fire is well within the Ventana Wilderness and poses no immediate threat to structures. Due to warm and dry conditions, fire activity is expected today in these two areas with visible smoke. Firefighters will continue to utilize helicopter water drops and retardant to address these areas as well as strengthen contingency lines to the north and south of the fire.  

On the coastal side of the fire, firefighters continue mop up operations, pulling equipment, and securing containment lines. Fire crews continue to address any hot spots remaining from the burning operations in Torre Canyon. Cooperating agencies will continue their assessment of Highway 1 to mitigate any safety concerns.

WEATHER:

Marine layer clouds are expected this morning with clear skies predicted later this morning on the coastal side of the fire. Warm and dry conditions are expected in the higher elevations of the fire today with low relative humidity.

CLOSURES:

Highway 1 remains closed for public and firefighter safety. The northern closure is at Mile Marker 42.6 a half mile south of Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn, and the southern closure is near Mile Marker 37 at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

Los Padres National Forest has a closure order in effect for trails and roads in the fire area.

EVACUATION ORDERS		EVACUATION WARNINGS
MRY-F027-B		MRY-F021-B
MRY-F028-A		MRY-F022
		MRY-F023
		MRY-F024
		MRY-F025
		MRY-F026
		MRY-F027-A
		MRY-F028-B
		MRY-F029

Timber Fire Information

2026.Timber@firenet.gov

(831) 285-7006

Website: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/calpf-timber-fire

lospadresnationalforest

MontereyCountySheriffsOffice

MontereyCoInfo  

linktr.ee/CAL_FIRE_BEU

Timber Fire Update  U.S. Forest Service – Los Padres National ForestTimber Fire Information Email: 2026.timber@firenet.gov  Phone: 831-285-7006 Report Release: 6:32 pm on August 21st, 2026ACRES: 6,669 acres CONTAINMENT: 29% CURRENT SITUATION: The eastern side of the fire continues to remain active with visible smoke. The fire is slowly burning around the Pine Ridge Trail system. The fire is backing toward the Big Sur River, however it remains south of it. On the southeastern side of the fire around the Longwood Ridge [I believe they meant Logwood Ridge] area, we continue to see some burning of patchy vegetation. Helicopters continue to use water and retardant drops to address this portion of the fire. Containment lines along the coastal side of the fire have been strengthened, while firefighters remove equipment and hose. Cooperating agencies continue to assess the Highway 1 road corridor for loose and unstable rocks above the highway. WEATHER: Warm and dry conditions with increased wind speeds were present on the fire today. Overnight, winds are expected to be light with low relative humidity. Warm and dry conditions are expected to continue overnight. CLOSURES: Highway 1 remains closed for public and firefighter safety. The northern closure is at Mile Marker 42.6, 1/2 mile south of Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn, and the southern closure is near Mile Marker37 at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.. Los Padres National Forest has a closure order in effect for trails and roads in the fire area. The evacuation shelter at Carmel Middle School closed on August 19. EVACUATION ORDERS: MRY-F027-B MRY-F028-A EVACUATION WARNINGS: MRY-F021-B MRY-F022 MRY-F023 MRY-F024 MRY-F025 MRY-F026 MRY-F027-A MRY-F028-B MRY-F029 RESOURCES ASSIGNED: Personnel – 1,202 Helicopters – 13 Engines – 87 Dozers – 11 Water Tenders – 20 Crews – 27 Other Assigned: 273 DAMAGE ASSESSMENT: Structures Threatened, Residential, Commercial and Other – 503 For the latest evacuation information, visit Ready Monterey County: https://www.readymontereycounty.org/ Office of Emergency Management or up-to-date information on road closures, visit California Highway Patrol at https://www.facebook.com/CHPMontereyArea. Residents in and near evacuation zones are encouraged to remain vigilant, stay informed, and follow all evacuation orders and warnings. Helpful Links:  Incident Information – Facebook Incident Information – Cal Fire  Evacuation Map #usfs #calfire #wildfire Monterey County Sheriff’s Office CAL FIRE BEU CHP – Monterey Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) American Red Cross Big Sur Fire Monterey County Department of Emergency Managemen

CURRENT SITUATION: 

Acres: 6,055   Containment: 29%   Resources Assigned: 1,472

Firefighters have begun removing hose on the coastal side of the fire where containment lines are complete. Power has been restored to some of the affected areas and cooperating agencies continue their assessment and work along Highway 1 to mitigate safety concerns.

Fire activity on the northeastern side of the fire continues to slowly back toward the South Fork of the Big Sur River drainage. Bucket and retardant drops were used to strengthen contingency lines.

Approximately 60 acres burned near Mount Olmstead, where the fire is moving northwest toward the Big Sur River. This fire activity is the primary source of visible smoke. Within Logwood Creek area, small patches of fire continue to burn; however, there has been no new growth or significant changes in this area.

WEATHER: Warm and very dry conditions continued today. The marine layer remains in place, with cool, humid mornings along the coast side of the fire. Temperatures increased this afternoon in the higher elevations with relative humidity remaining low.

CLOSURES: Highway 1 remains closed for public and firefighter safety. The northern closure is at Mile Marker 42.6 a half mile south of Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn, and the southern closure is near Mile Marker 37 at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

Los Padres National Forest has a closure order in effect for trails and roads in the fire area.

EVACUATION ORDERS		EVACUATION WARNINGS
MRY-F027-B		MRY-F021-B
MRY-F028-A		MRY-F022
		MRY-F023
		MRY-F024
		MRY-F025
		MRY-F026
		MRY-F027-A
		MRY-F028-B
		MRY-F029

Timber Fire Information

2026.Timber@firenet.gov

(831) 285-7006

Website: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/calpf-timber-fire

lospadresnationalforest

MontereyCountySheriffsOffice

MontereyCoInfo  

linktr.ee/CAL_FIRE_BEU

The Timber Fire is still going well.  The structure threat has been minimized along the Coast and Ridge which is a huge win for us as a community.  The effort put forth by all to accomplish this has been monumental.  It wasn’t just the fire engines, hand crews and helicopters that did it; it was many of you who stayed behind the lines to prep and defend your properties.  The weather played a part too keeping fire behavior moderate and manageable.  If any one of those factors had changed, the outcome may have been different.With the coast side seemingly out, crews are already moving into restoration mode.  PG&E was first up replacing several damaged poles and the lines re-strung.  It has been 13 days since power was lost so this will be another win when the lines are re-energized.  Other work such as scaling the steep cliffs above Highway 1 is underway so the highway can be reopened safely and soon.  The evacuation warning/orders have been evaluated every day in fact multiple times daily looking for opportunities to adjust, which we’ve seen twice in the last few days with more to follow as conditions improve.  Winter runoff is also being discussed so we can be as prepared as possible for the inevitable.The work that is being done behind the scenes at the incident management level is complex.  The two base camps (CSUMB and Pfeiffer State Park) are being consolidated to one as you read this.  Having everyone in Big Sur moving forward will be helpful and more efficient for all involved.  The USFS will be mobilizing one of their Incident Management Teams (IMT’s) as CalFire IMT 1 times out.  The transition takes place over several days.  The new team “shadows” the current team so nothing gets lost and the transition feels seamless.  I’d like to thank CalFire IMT 1 for their professionalism and expertise as well as their consideration for both the USFS and our community’s priorities.The Timber Fire will be with us for quite a while longer.  The fire is burning slowly in the back country.  As it continues to consume the brush and trees, rollout occurs igniting brush and trees below.  As the heat builds up, the fire makes small uphill runs producing moderate amounts of smoke which we’ve been seeing over the past few days and will continue to see for days if not weeks ahead.  The Timber Fire has the potential to grow well beyond the almost 6000 acres it is today.  Because of this risk, contingency lines are being considered and in some cases already placed based on strategic points the fire has already reached.  An immense amount of patience will be needed by all of us.  While the highway will reopen soon and things will normalize in a sense, fire crews will continue to operate in our community working to keep the Timber Fire at bay and restore our beautiful coast and ridges. Big Sur Fire’s presence on the fire will lessen over the coming days.  I will remain involved at the management level working with the incident operations team.  Our water tender and engine will be demobilized after 14 days of continuous work.  Our hand crew will remain on the fire for a while longer too before going back into rotation for initial attack response. Thank you for the outpouring of support with food, drinks and other supplies for the firefighters who are all so grateful.  Since my last message, I think it’s safe to say we found our stride on the incident as well as a community.  Please join us at the River Inn (Friday at 5pm) for a hosted chili dinner, a less formal gathering for the community.  Until then, please check our website bigsurfire.org  or apps like Watch Duty or Wildfire Intel for more information.Thank you all for your efforts, patience and trust of Big Sur Fire.Sincerely,Matt Harris Fire Chief