Per USFS 7pm update:
Per USFS: Timber Fire Update Los Padres National Forest
Fire information: (831) 285-7006
Fire email: 2026.timber@firenet.gov
Website: http://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/calpf-timber-fire
https://linktr.ee/cal_fire_beu
Location: Southeast of Loma Vista, Monterey County
Size: 23,343 acres
Percent contained: 21%
Start date: August 8, 2026 [sic]
Personnel Assigned: 1,228
Cause: Under investigation
CURRENT SITUATION:
Fire continues backing down from Manuel Peak into the Big Sur River drainage. Crews are strengthening the western edge by using specialized equipment and hand crews to clear vegetation and using natural geographical features to slow fire spread. Firefighters continue structure defense and strategic firing near Manuel Peak toward the Highway 1 corridor when conditions allow. Heavy equipment is extending dozer line east toward Los Padres Reservoir.
On the northeast and eastern portions of the fire, crews are also strengthening fireline along ridge systems toward Arroyo Seco, Willow Creek, and Black Canyon.
Air resources continue supporting ground operations. Helicopters, airtankers and UAS modules are being used as conditions and availability allow. Two UAS modules are operating day and night for strategic firing support, infrared reconnaissance, and heat detection near containment lines. Two additional UAS modules are being ordered.
A mobile retardant base is supporting helicopter operations closer to the incident, improving aircraft turnaround times. Air Operations continues expanding aviation support.
The Timber Fire is receiving additional personnel today to support the fire suppression efforts.
WEATHER:
Warm and dry conditions continued overnight. Temperatures stayed in the 70s, with relative humidity recoveries of 25–35%.
Cooler, more moist conditions with periods of light rain are transitioning to drier conditions as the day progresses.
CLOSURES AND EVACUATIONS:
Los Padres National Forest closures remain in effect for trails and roads in the fire area.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/…/timber-fire-area-road-and…
A hard road closure is in effect on State Route 1:
For current highway and evacuation information, visit Ready Monterey County:
Per CAL FIRE:
On the Timber Fire, firefighters are actively conducting firing operations—controlled burning to consume fuels in front of the advancing wildfire, effectively creating a barrier to stop its progress—working from the south toward eastern sections of the perimeter. The fire has backed down through the Big Sur drainage and is approaching the Pfeiffer Incident Command Post area.
Structure triage is complete, with Type 6 engines and equipment staged along the road to maintain point-protection as the fire backs toward nearby structures. Prep work is finished south of the command post along Highway 1 and up the dozer line toward Manuel Peak, where the Vista Grande Hotshots, Fulton resources, and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones are coordinating firing operations from opposite directions. Once at the appropriate elevation, crews will extend the fire across the Valley View Trail system to clean up interior unburned fuels.
Firefighters are also actively addressing a 50-acre slopover—where the main fire crossed over the control line that resulted from yesterday’s activity. While air tankers have successfully checked its spread, the slopover continues to burn through local drainages, and crews will deploy handlines and retardant to fully secure it based on accessibility.
Four crews are currently stationed along the dozer line and below Manuel Peak, with an additional hotshot crew slated to secure the remaining section. With forecast winds threatening line integrity, crews are prioritizing the tie-in of these lines and expect full completion tonight or tomorrow depending on weather and operational progress. As these tactical burns wrap up, resources will continue moving down the dozer line toward southern perimeter operations.
TIMBER FIRE TOWN HALL
Please join California Incident Management Team 3, Cachauga Fire, and other cooperating fire agencies for a community meeting to receive the latest updates regarding the Timber Fire. Community Members will have an opportunity to hear directly from officials and ask questions.
Details:
- Saturday, August 29 at 4:00 PM
- Cachagua Community Park, 37320 Nason Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
Prayers!