Acres Bumed: 5296

24% contained

Evening Update from Los Padres National Forest:

Current Situation: Due to significant progress made by firefighters, some of the Evacuation Orders were reduced to Evacuation Warnings, and the northern road closure on Highway 1 was modified. Cooperating agencies continue clearing road debris and working to restore utilities in the area. Smoke is visible on the eastern side of the fire as it moves northwest of Mount Olmstead. Helicopters supported ground crews with water drops that helped control and moderate fire spread. Firefighters remain focused on strengthening hand lines, mopping up, identifying remaining hot spots, and increasing containment.

Weather: High pressure continues to build over the fire, compressing the marine layer. This is producing warmer, drier conditions across portions of the fire area. Nocturnal drying above the marine layer will bring relative humidity down to 15% across higher elevations.

Closures: Highway 1 remains closed for public and firefighter safety. The northern closure is at Mile Marker 44.5 near Alila Ventana/Post Ranch 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.

Taken by Ken Wright from Ray Sanborn’s house: Ken said helicopters have been runnight up there all afternoon. I asked if he thought it was a back burn and he said he didn’t think so. For once, Kenny, I hope you are wrong.

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: 6:53 am on August 18th, 2026

ACRES: 5,189 acres
CONTAINMENT: 21%

CURRENT SITUATION:
There was minimal fire activity throughout the evening, with all containment lines holding. Firefighters continue to mop up and secure lines along the southern portion of the fire near Partington Ridge. Conditions were not favorable for conducting any burning operations overnight.

Fire crews are working to remove debris and roll off on Highway 1 from the firing operations that have occurred. Crews are working hard to reopen Highway 1 once safety concerns have been addressed.

Fire crews will continue to hold the fire south of the Big Sur River along the lines of the Ventana Wilderness to the east.

WEATHER:
As high pressure builds, the marine layer will continue to gradually compress over the next couple days. Clouds and patchy fog are expected this morning on the coastal side of the fire with some sun after midday. Sunshine and partly cloudy skies are predicted for the eastern side of the fire.

CLOSURES:
Highway 1 remains closed for public and firefighter safety. The northern closure is at Mile Marker 45.1 near the Big Sur Bakery, 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:
MRY-F023
MRY-F025
MRY-F026
MRY-F027
MRY-F028-A

EVACUATION WARNINGS:
MRY-F021-B
MRY-F022
MRY-F024
MRY-F028-B
MRY-F029

RESOURCES ASSIGNED:
Personnel – 1,995
Helicopters – 12
Engines – 160
Dozers – 22
Water Tenders – 34
Crews – 44
Other Assigned: 12

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 Management

Heat signature map is looking really good re growth;

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: 7:11 am on August 17th, 2026

ACRES: 5,153
CONTAINMENT: 17%

CURRENT SITUATION:
Conditions were favorable throughout the evening for firefighters to conduct burning operations on the southern end of the fire. Firefighters were able to successfully bring fire down to Highway 1 near Partington Ridge.

Crews continue mop up operations along the coastal side of the fire. Firefighters continue to look for and address areas of heat toward the Big Sur River. The fire remains south of the Big Sur River.

There was minimal fire activity throughout the night. On the northern portion of the fire, firefighters will continue working to bring fire down to Highway 1 and secure containment lines.

WEATHER:
Cloudy skies are expected through mid-morning before seeing afternoon sun with patchy clouds on the coastal side of the fire. The warming trend continues today, however high pressure is expected to build overnight, compressing the marine layer.

CLOSURES:
Highway 1 remains closed for public and firefighter safety. The northern closure is at Mile Marker 45.1 near the Big Sur Bakery, 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:
– MRY-F023
– MRY-F025
– MRY-F026
– MRY-F027
– MRY-F028-A

EVACUATION WARNINGS:
– MRY-F021-B
– MRY-F022
– MRY-F024
– MRY-F028-B
– MRY-F029

RESOURCES ASSIGNED:
Personel – 2,067
Helicopters – 12
Engines – 165
Dozers – 29
Water Tenders – 36
Crews – 44
Other Assigned: 13
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

LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST

MONTEREY RANGER DISTRICT

FOREST ORDER NUMBER 05-07-51-26-08

TIMBER FIRE AREA, ROAD, AND TRAIL CLOSURE

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following

acts are prohibited within the Los Padres National Forest. This Order is effective from August 16, 2026,

until the Timber Fire is declared out.

1. Going into or being upon any National Forest System lands within the Timber Fire Closure Area, as

described in Exhibit A and shown on Exhibit B. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e).

2. Being on any National Forest System roads within the Timber Fire Closure Area, as described in

Exhibit C and shown on Exhibit B. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).

3. Being on any National Forest System trails within the Timber Fire Closure Area, as described in

Exhibit D and shown on Exhibit B. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a).

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire-fighting force in the

performance of an official duty;

2. Owners, lessees, or residents of private land within the Timber Fire Closure Area, to the extent

necessary to access their land, unless the area is under evacuation order by the Monterey County

Sheriff or California Office of Emergency Management;

3. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas

Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A.

A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for

an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559,

3571, and 3581.

Executed at Santa Barbara, California this 15th day of August 2026.

Jeanne Dawson

Deputy Forest Supervisor

Los Padres National ForestLOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST

MONTEREY RANGER DISTRICT

FOREST ORDER NUMBER 05-07-51-26-08

TIMBER FIRE AREA, ROAD, AND TRAIL CLOSURE

EXHIBIT A

CLOSED AREA DESCRIPTION

The boundary of the Los Padres National Forest Timber Fire Closure Area begins at the National Forest

Boundary in the northeast corner of Section 1 of Township 18 South, Range 2 East, Mount Diablo Base Meridian

(MDBM); then continues generally southeast along the National Forest Boundary until its intersection with the

Tassajara Road (Forest Road No. 18S02); then continues south along the Tassajara Road until its intersection

with the Tony Trail (Forest Trail No. 4E06) until its intersection with the (Forest Trail No. 4E07); then continues

east along Marble Peak Trail until its intersection with the Arroyo Seco – Indians Road (Forest Road No.

19S09.3); then continues generally south along the Arroyo Seco – Indians Road until its intersection with the

Milpitas Road (Forest Road No. 19S09.4); then continues generally southeast along the Milpitas Road until its

intersection with the National Forest Boundary; then continues generally southeast along the National Forest

Boundary until its intersection with the Nacimiento – Fergusson Road (Forest Road 22S01); then continues

generally west on the Nacimiento – Fergusson Road until its intersection with California Hwy 1; then continues

generally north along California Hwy 1 until its intersection with the eastern boundary of Limekiln State Park;

then continues generally northwest along the boundary of Limekiln State Park until its northernmost

intersection with the National Forest Boundary; then continues generally northwest, then east, along the

National Forest Boundary back to its starting point, as shown on the attached map (Exhibit B). National Forest

roads and trails along the closure boundary are not considered to be within the Timber Fire Closure Area.Road Number 19S05 20S05.1 20S05.2 20S05.3 LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST

MONTEREY RANGER DISTRICT

FOREST ORDER NUMBER 05-07-51-26-08

TIMBER FIRE AREA, ROAD, AND TRAIL CLOSURE

EXHIBIT C – CLOSED ROADS

Road Name

Sycamore Canyon Road

North Coast Ridge Road

North Coast Ridge Road

Central Coast Ridge Road (aka Cone Peak Road)LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST

MONTEREY RANGER DISTRICT

FOREST ORDER NUMBER 05-07-51-26-08

TIMBER FIRE AREA, ROAD, AND TRAIL CLOSURE

EXHIBIT D – CLOSED TRAILS

TRAIL NUMBER TRAIL NAME

1E02 TURNER CREEK

1E03 LITTLE SUR

1E04 SKINNER RIDGE

2E01 SAN CLEMENTE

2E03 BIG PINES

2E04 VENTANA DOUBLE CONE

2E06 MT. MANUEL

2E07 DE ANGULO

2E08 JACKSON CAMP

2E09 LITTLE SUR CAMP

2E10 DANISH CREEK

2E11 RATTLESNAKE CREEK

2E14 VENTANA CAMP

3E03 CARMEL RIVER

3E04 MILLER CANYON

3E05 CHURCH CREEK

3E06 PINE RIDGE

3E07 BIG SUR

3E08 PUERTO SUELO

3E09 SOUTH FORK

3E10 NORTH COAST RIDGE

3E11 BEAR BASIN

3E13 BEE CAMP

3E14 BLACK CONE

3E16 BEAR BASIN CONNECTOR

3E22 TERRACE CREEK

4E07 MARBLE PEAK1

4E08 LOST VALLEY

4E09 LOST VALLEY CONNECTOR

4E10 ARROYO SECO

4E11 GAMBOA

4E12 CONE PEAK

4E13 STONE RIDGE

4E17 KIRK CREEK

4E26 RODEO FLAT

4E27 CARRIZO

5E04 SAN ANTONIO

1The closure applies to the segment of the Marble Peak Trail between its intersection with the Tony Trail and its

terminus at the North Coast Ridge Trail.

Lyle Southall with Big Sur Fire’s new water tender taken on Tuesday.

Filling up bladders, which the firefighters called pumpkins when they put them at my place. The helicopters can use these to refill, helpful when the available ponds socked in with fog. I was told these hold 1500 gals of water

Taken last night

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: 7:10 am on August 16th, 2026

ACRES: 4,869
CONTAINMENT: 15%

CURRENT SITUATION:
Dozer and handlines constructed along Partington Ridge are holding well. Outside of yesterday’s burning operations, there was no new fire growth in this area of the fire. Fire activity near Longwood Creek has decreased. Firefighters continue to work down the ridge, to strengthen containment. Fire activity near the Pine Ridge Trail system has remained minimal with some smaller areas of fire holding near the trail.

A forest closure will be in effect today to protect the public and firefighters and minimize people in the area where fire operations are occurring.

Steep terrain has limited access to some portions of containment line, making heat detection extremely difficult. Firefighters continue to cold trail and look for signs of fire activity in those areas.

WEATHER:
A warming and drying trend begins today as high pressure builds over the region. Areas on the western portion of the fire may remain cloudy and foggy this morning with some afternoon sunshine and patchy clouds later in the day. The eastern portion of fire is expected to be clearer and warmer throughout the day.

ROAD CLOSURES:
Highway 1 remains closed for public and firefighter safety. The northern closure is at Mile Marker 45.1 near the Big Sur Bakery, and the southern closure is near Mile Marker 37 at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

EVACUATION ORDERS:
– MRY-F023
– MRY-F025
– MRY-F026
– MRY-F027
– MRY-F028-A

EVACUATION WARNINGS:
– MRY-F021-B
– MRY-F022
– MRY-F024
– MRY-F028-B
– MRY-F029

RESOURCES ASSIGNED:
Personel – 2,177
Helicopters – 10
Engines – 194
Dozers – 32
Water Tenders – 36
Crews – 47
Other Assigned: 12

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

CURRENT SITUATION: 
The Timber Fire is now about two-thirds of the way down the slope at Partington Ridge. Firefighters are conducting burning operations to bring the fire to established control lines near the bottom of Torre Canyon. Firefighters are also working along Highway 1 and doing everything they can to safely secure the area and defend structures.

Firefighters are working directly off Coast Ridge Road near the Pine Ridge Trail System. The goal is to secure the northwestern side and maintain containment south of the Big Sur River.

The fire continues to burn at a low intensity in the wilderness and has shown little growth in the last 24 hours. Activity around Olmstead Mountain also has remained minimal. Firefighters continue to utilize heavy helicopters, and water drops in other areas of the Wilderness to check hotspots as needed.

WEATHER: 
On Sunday, heavy morning fog along the coast will moderate fire behavior at lower elevations but may limit early morning visibility and air support operations until the marine layer lifts. Active burning and elevated fire potential will remain focused on upper ridges and drier east-side vegetation above the fog line.

CLOSURES: Highway 1 remains closed for public and firefighter safety. The northern closure is at Mile Marker 45.1 near the Big Sur Bakery, and the southern closure is near mile marker 37 at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

EVACUATION ORDERS: 
MRY-F023 
MRY-F025
MRY-F026
MRY-F027 
MRY-F028-A

EVACUATION WARNINGS: 
MRY-FO21-B 
MRY-FO22
MRY-FO24 
MRY-FO28-B
MRY-FO29 

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. #wildfire #usfs #calfire
Monterey County Sheriff’s Office CAL FIRE BEU CHP – Monterey
Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) American Red Cross Big Sur Fire

These were taken at Heidi Hopkin’s house, the last one on the road at the top. The control burn they started yesterday seems to have worked. Now I think they have moved down to lower Partington to tie in that line.

And here is a photo of the community at the meeting last night. (Sorry, I forgot who shot this one.

Photo by Josh Bleibtreu from top of Partington Ridge this am

Yesterday’s clear skies allowed firefighters to do a good assessment on the fire. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) showed some remaining heat in the heavy vegetation above houses, and crews are targeting those areas today. The area around Castro Canyon showed the most remaining heat. Aircraft hit the fire hard yesterday, reinforcing and connecting lines that were not yet completed by firefighters.

Firefighters took advantage of the conditions to clean up remaining vegetation between the active fire edge and containment line using burning operations along Partington Road. Those operations were successful and were halted when the window of opportunity closed at around 3 p.m.

Dozer and handline are complete on the north side of the fire in the steep drainage to the Big Sur River. Rollout continues to occur there, but the fire did not progress much over the Pine Ridge Trail system yesterday.

The east side of the fire was more active yesterday with drier conditions. A considerable push of heavy equipment has been moved into place and fire lines from previous fires are being opened and reinforced.

Weather:

Similar weather to yesterday is predicted for today, with a cloudy start with some afternoon sunshine. Any morning clouds along ridges and east of the fire should erode quickly with winds increasing in the afternoon. A warming and drying trend is predicted through the weekend and into next week.

Evacuation orders:

MRY-F023

MRY-F025

MRY-F026

MRY-F027

MRY-F028-A

Evacuation warnings:

FO21-B

FO22

FO24

FO28

FO28-B

FO29

Update from Los Padres National Forest on Facebook