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