Timber Fire Incident Update Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Los Padres National Forest
Fire Information:805-257-9891 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Email: 2026.Timber@firenet.gov
Start Date: August 8, 2026 | Cause: Under investigation | Total Acres: 25,380 |Containment: 27%
Total Personnel: 1,600 | Resources: 24 crews, 70 engines, 9 helicopters, 24 dozers, 32 water tenders
For more information on the Timber Fire, visit: Timber Fire Inciweb or Los Padres National Forest Facebook Page
Current Situation:
As predicted, the Timber Fire began to show an increase in smoke production today as hotter, drier air help lingering heat sources come to life. Fire activity picked up in several areas of the fire – north near Big Sur, south in the Pick Creek drainage and east toward Bear Basin and South Ventana Cone – but there was no significant fire growth. Aircraft were used to douse hot spots and help moderate fire behavior where needed.
With incredibly steep and rugged terrain throughout the fire area, crews are still working to find safe access into several areas to attack the fire directly.
In the northeast corner of the fire, crews continue to bolster direct line along the South Fork of Little Sur River while evaluating direct attack options where the fire crossed containment lines north of Manuel Peak. Along the northern and eastern containment lines, firefighters are evaluating and improving completed line from Los Padres Reservoir to Chews Ridge and down to Arroyo Seco.
Weather & Air Quality:
As the warmer, drier forecast continues, a Heat Advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service from Wednesday at 10 a.m. through 10 p.m. Thursday. This will cause heat sources on the Timber Fire to rekindle and increase smoke production with the potential for moderate fire activity after several days of quieter fire behavior.
While lighter winds are keeping smoke lower and closer to the fire area. This translates to reduced smoke impacts for communities farther from the fire, but worse air quality for firefighters and those living near the fire area. Expect good to moderate air conditions for Carmel Valley, Fort Hunter Liggett, and Paso Robles. For more air quality resources or updates, visitFire.AirNow.gov
Road Closures:
Road closures on Highway 1 in the Big Sur area have been reduced. Drivers are encouraged to drive cautiously as traffic is increased because of fire activity and the potential for rocks and debris to fall to the roadway as a result of post fire effects on the landscape. To support Plaskett Fire emergency response efforts, Highway 1 remains closed between Pacific Valley at Post Mile 16 and Monterey/San Luis Obispo County line at Post Mile 0.0.
Evacuations:
Residents are urged to stay apprised of their zones as the Timber Fire remains active. For the latest evacuation information, visit Ready Monterey County:www.readymontereycounty.org/emergency
Timber Fire Information
2026.Timber@firenet.gov
(831) 285-7006
Website: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/calpf-timber-fire