Timber Fire Update Friday, September 11, 2026
Los Padres National Forest
Fire Information: 831-285-7006, 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: 1,651 | Resources: 22 crews, 76 engines, 11 helicopters, 22 dozers, 30 water tenders
For more information on the Timber Fire, visit: Timber Fire Inciweb or Los Padres National Forest Facebook Page
Current Situation
Fire crews have held the fire within its current footprint for the past four days despite hot, dry conditions. Heat is scattered within the interior and along sections of uncontained fires edge. Previous cooler weather and sparse vegetation have helped limit fire growth. Acreage remains unchanged.
Firefighters continue direct extinguishment where safe, while reinforcing indirect containment lines to the north, east, and south. Initial attack crews remain ready due to receptive fuels. Along Highway 1, only a few hot spots remain as crews strengthen and clean up lines. The fire’s activity toward Cold Springs is being monitored by drones as the steep terrain makes direct engagement unsafe. Crews are constructing indirect handline along the ridge between Pheneger Creek and Juan Higuera Creek to protect nearby communities and park resources, using minimal-impact techniques in wilderness areas.
Access across much of the fire remains extremely limited due to steep and rugged terrain, requiring firefighters to rely on indirect lines placed 5 to 8 miles from the fire’s edge. Construction of indirect lines from Los Padres Reservoir along Little Bear Trap to Chews Ridge down to Arroyo Seco are nearing completion. These lines are constructed to ensure strong containment while minimizing disturbance to wilderness resources.
Aircraft remain highly effective for cooling hot spots and supporting firefighters. A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place, and all unauthorized aircraft—including recreational drones—are prohibited.
Weather & Air Quality
Over the next few days, the area will experience a cool period with winds shifting to onshore and good humidity recoveries limiting the active burn window. Fuels will remain very dry through Fridayproviding a receptive ignition source so crews will remain vigilant.
Air quality remains good to moderate for Big Sur, Carmel Valley, Fort Hunter Liggett, and Paso Robles. For more air quality resources or updates, visit Fire.AirNow.gov
Road Closures
Highway 1 remains closed due the Plaskett Fire. The closure now runs between Pacific Valley at the Kirk Creek Campground (mile marker 19 (mile marker 10.5) to the Willow Springs Caltrans Yard, just north of Gorda (mile marker 10.5). More information on the CalTrans QuickMap.
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