Timber Fire, Day 22, 8/29, Evening Update

From CAL FIRE BEU

The Timber Fire remains active, with flanking, uphill runs, and isolated tree torching observed. Steep terrain and heavy fuel loading continue to create significant challenges for suppression efforts. Firefighters have kept pace with the fire’s downhill movement toward Highway 1 near Pfeiffer State Park. Continued fire spread is expected toward the Lucia Range, South Fork Trail, and northeast toward the Black Cone Trail.

Manuel Peak and the Pfeiffer State Park area are expected to remain primarily in a smoldering phase overnight following firing operations. 

VIDEO: Nighttime Firing OperationExternal Link 

In the Ventana Cone area, fire will continue burning northeast where continuous fuels are available. 

On the eastern edge, crews continue working to keep pace with fire movement toward the Black Cone Trail and Carmel River Trail. Along Coast Ridge Road, firefighters are working to maintain and strengthen control features as the fire progresses.

Fire growth continues to be primarily terrain- and fuel-driven, with potential movement into the Lion Creek, Ventana Creek, North Fork and South Fork Big Sur River, Redwood Creek, Cienega Creek, and upper Carmel River drainages. Potential impacts remain to Michaels Hill and Coast Ridge Road.

Crews will continue direct and aggressive attack where conditions allow, while establishing and improving containment lines where terrain and fire behavior permit. Firing, backfire, and burnout operations will continue as necessary to keep pace with the main fire, strengthen control features, and create defensible space around threatened structures.

Fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft will continue supporting ground resources with direct suppression and contingency-line construction where appropriate. Day and night firefighting operations will continue.

Highway 1 remains a significant operational concern. Recent firing operations have contributed to rockslides along the highway. When conditions are safe, Caltrans road engineers will assess, remove, or blast hazardous rocks before the roadway can safely reopen.

Tonight, winds are expected to shift northeast and gust into the teens, potentially reaching approximately 17 mph over the Timber Fire as a weak dry front moves through. Cooler temperatures are expected to persist, with the marine layer eventually deepening to approximately 2,000–2,500 feet; however, relative humidity is expected to remain generally in the 20–30% range.

Operational priorities remain protecting life and property, holding established control features, maintaining structure defense, and keeping the fire north of Nacimiento-Fergusson Road, south of Carmel Valley Road, east of Highway 1, and west of Millers Ranch.

There are two shelters set up for the Timber and Plaskett Fires:

• Carmel Mission Inn Conference Room, 3665 Rio Rd, Carmel, CA 93923
• Cambria Veterans Memorial Building, 1000 Main St, Cambria

Timber Fire Structure Protection English Cabin (USFS Gallery)