Categories: Big Sur

Timber Fire, Day 16, 8/23, Morning Update

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

bigsurkate

Appointed appellate counsel for indigent defendants (retired.) I have lived in Big Sur since 1984, first on the north coast, and on the South Coast since 1989.