Timber Fire, Day 5, 8/12/26 Morning Update

Update for August 12 from Los Padres National Forest on Facebook:

Current Situation:

Timber Fire activity surged early this morning and remained active around Partington Ridge and Coast Ridge Road along the southern edge. Firefighters continue protecting structures as the fire backs toward Highway 1.

On the west side near Partington Ridge, dozer operators and ground crews built line to Highway 1, while crews mopped up hot spots and conducted tactical patrols around homes. Near Ventana, firefighters are mopping up around structures and completing hand line. Rolling debris and embers along Coast Ridge Road caused spot fires, but aggressive tactics contained them.

On the northern flank, bulldozers began cutting line along a ridgeline toward Highway 1 and the Big Sur River. The eastern side remains active in wilderness areas, where firefighters are looking for safe opportunities to engage.

Overnight activity increased above 1,000 feet on the western flank, while crews continued prioritizing structure protection east of Highway 1 from Ventana south to Partington Road. Hotshot crews are working through steep, heavy vegetation to establish containment lines as conditions allow, with additional resources arriving on scene.

Highway One remains closed between Fernwood on the north to the southern turnout at JB Burn State Park.

Weather:

Weather conditions could become more challenging this afternoon into the evening. There is a 15–20% chance of thunderstorms entering the fire area, which could bring strong, erratic winds and unstable conditions. Elevated fire weather conditions are possible, although conditions are expected to vary significantly across the fire area depending on location.

Evacuation Orders:

• – MRY-F023
• – MRY-F025
• – MRY-F026
• – MRY-F027
• – MRY-F028-A