Timber

Evacuation orders remain in effect as crews target critical northwest flank

The Timber Fire is burning in rugged terrain southeast of Big Sur, with suppression priority focused on its northwest flank near the Highway 1 corridor. The fire perimeter held with little to no growth over the past several days, though interior heat continues burning actively in steep, inaccessible canyons. Evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect across multiple Monterey County zones as crews work to protect nearby communities.

Evacuations and Closures

• Evacuation Orders (September 11): Active in Monterey County for zones MRY-D082, MRY-D089, MRY-D090, MRY-D091, MRY-F015-A, MRY-F015-B, MRY-F015-C, MRY-F020, MRY-F023-B, MRY-F028-B, MRY-F028-C, MRY-F029, and MRY-F031-A.
• Evacuation Warnings (September 11): Active in Monterey County for zones MRY-D078, MRY-D084, MRY-D085, MRY-D086, MRY-D088, MRY-F015, MRY-F016 through MRY-F019, MRY-F021-A/B, MRY-F022, MRY-F023-A, MRY-F024 through MRY-F026, MRY-F027-A/B, MRY-F028-A/D, MRY-F030-A/B, MRY-F031-B, and MRY-F032-A/B.
• Shelters (September 8): The American Red Cross is providing emergency sheltering assistance for evacuees by phone at 805-678-3073.
• Forest Closures (September 11): A Los Padres National Forest closure remains in effect for all National Forest System lands, trails, and roads in the vicinity.
• Road Hazards and Closures (September 11): Highway 1 remains closed to the south between Kirk Creek Campground and north of Gorda, and active patrols are monitoring the Big Sur corridor for falling rock and debris.

Impact

Trapped smoke continues to cause poor air quality across coastal communities near Big Sur, while inland valleys experience clearer skies. Residents across several zones remain displaced under evacuation orders, and loose rock and debris create road hazards along the Highway 1 corridor.

Conditions and Outlook

Northerly to north-northeasterly winds are expected to remain breezy before easing into early next week, accompanied by persistent dry conditions and no chance of rain. Firefighters plan to deploy helitack crews and targeted water drops on the critical northwest and southwest flanks to cool stubborn hot spots and defend indirect containment lines.

Cause and Context

The cause of the fire remains under official investigation as of September 10, 2026. The blaze is burning across steep wilderness terrain largely within the footprint of the 2016 Soberanes Fire scar.

Official updates current through September 11, 2026.