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

There is a link toward the bottom of this mailing — District 5 Car Week Feedback Form —that you may want to fill out so we can make our voices heard.

AUGUST 17, 2026Car Week events spanned all areas of District 5. Photo courtesy of TikTok. Dear District 5 Friends and Neighbors, Thank you for your patience and resilience during this year’s Monterey Car Week. For many residents, the week brought significant frustration, major disruptions to daily life, safety concerns, and heartbreak with the loss of a beloved community member in Big Sur.  I heard from community members throughout the Highway 68 Corridor, Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove, and Carmel Valley who experienced impacts ranging from traffic gridlock and noise to loud house parties and unsafe driving on our roads and highways. Public reporting and community dialogue echoed these concerns throughout the week: • Severe traffic congestion and dangerous drivingCHP significantly increased enforcement due to widespread speeding, unsafe maneuvers, and high‑performance vehicles overwhelming local roads. Multiple divisions deployed additional officers, motorcycle units, and even Air Operations. Despite these efforts, residents continued to report long delays, reckless driving, and vehicles ignoring stop signs. • Short‑term rental activity exacerbating neighborhood impactsCorporate sponsors and large groups rented homes across the Peninsula, clogging narrow streets and holding loud gatherings late into the night. • Parking restrictions and heightened business‑level security measuresSome businesses implemented protective protocols to manage crowds and discourage unsanctioned takeovers. • Tragic fatalitiesCar Week now bears two heartbreaking losses—one a beloved Big Sur community member, and one a young visitor attending Car Week events. These issues are serious and cannot be dismissed. Our Commitment Moving Forward In partnership with local cities, CHP, County agencies, and event organizers, my office will lead a coordinated after‑action effort focused on the following priorities: 1. Strengthened Traffic & Safety PlanningWe will work with law enforcement partners to evaluate this year’s expanded patrols and determine additional resources or traffic‑calming tools needed—such as strategic signage, enforced slow zones, and improved routing during peak event periods. 2. Controls on Late‑Night Gatherings & Unpermitted ActivitiesStreet racing and large, spontaneous gatherings pose unacceptable safety risks. We will collaborate with District 5 cities and regional partners to enhance monitoring, enforcement, and rapid‑response protocols. 3. Business & Property Owner CoordinationMany local businesses bore significant burdens without substantial benefit. We will convene listening sessions with business owners to identify balanced solutions supporting safety, customer access, and operational needs. 4. Resident‑Focused Impact MitigationNoise, neighborhood traffic, and access challenges were among the most common concerns. We will explore mitigation options ahead of next year’s event. 5. Public Feedback IntegrationYour experiences must shape the path forward. We have opened a Car Week Community Feedback Portal (District 5 – Car Week Feedback Form) to gather input that will inform County recommendations and multi‑jurisdictional planning. We Need Your VoiceIf you experienced traffic delays, unsafe driving, noise disturbances, property impacts, enforcement gaps, or any other challenges, please share your feedback. Your lived experiences will directly support a comprehensive after‑action report and policy recommendations for future Car Weeks. To participate, click here: District 5 – Car Week Feedback Form Car Week should be an event our communities can safely coexist with—not endure. I am committed to ensuring that next year’s experience better reflects that goal. Thank you for your engagement, advocacy, and partnership. Warm regards, Kate DanielsSupervisor, District 5

Supervisor Kate Daniels | 1200 Aguajito Rd., Ste. 1  | Monterey , CA 93940 USUnsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice

CURRENT SITUATION:

Size: 5,526     Acres: 24%     Personnel Assigned: 1,894

There was limited fire growth overnight on the eastern portion of the fire around Longwood Ridge. Fire activity was minimal and today ground crews will be supported with helicopter water drops to secure hand lines.

On the northeastern side, the fire is backing slowly towards the Big Sur River and burning at a low intensity. The fire remains south of the Big Sur River.

On the western side of the fire, crews will continue to improve contingency lines and mop up. Cooperating agencies will continue to assess the road conditions of Highway 1 and address utility and safety concerns.

WEATHER: High pressure continues to build, compressing the marine layer and bringing a warming and drying trend over the fire. Marine layer clouds are expected along the coast with sunny skies later in the day.

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.

EVACUATION ORDERS:                                                                     EVACUATION WARNINGS:

MRY-F027                                                                                                        MRY-F021-B

MRY-F028A                                                                                                    MRY-F022

                                                                                                                                MRY-F023

                                                                                                                                MRY-F024

                                                                                                                                MRY-F025

                                                                                                                                MRY-F026

                                                                                                                                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 Forest

Timber Fire Information
Email: 2026.timber@firenet.gov 
Phone: 831-285-7006
Report Release: 7:16 am on August 19th, 2026

ACRES: 5,526 acres
CONTAINMENT: 24%

CURRENT SITUATION:
There was limited fire growth overnight on the eastern portion of the fire around Longwood Ridge. Fire activity was minimal and today ground crews will be supported with helicopter water drops to secure hand lines.

On the northeastern side, the fire is backing slowly towards the Big Sur River and burning at a low intensity. The fire remains south of the Big Sur River.

On the western side of the fire, crews will continue to improve contingency lines and mop up. Cooperating agencies will continue to assess the road conditions of Highway 1 and address utility and safety concerns.

WEATHER:
High pressure continues to build, compressing the marine layer and bringing a warming and drying trend over the fire. Marine layer clouds are expected along the coast with sunny skies later in the day.

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.

The evacuation shelter at Carmel Middle School will close Wednesday, August 19, at 12:00 pm (noon).

EVACUATION ORDERS:
MRY-F027
MRY-F028-A

EVACUATION WARNINGS:
MRY-F021-B
MRY-F022
MRY-F023
MRY-F024
MRY-F025
MRY-F026
MRY-F028-B
MRY-F029

RESOURCES ASSIGNED:
Personnel – 1,894
Helicopters – 12
Engines – 157
Dozers – 13
Water Tenders – 33
Crews – 40
Other Assigned: 419

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

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