Timber

Lines hold near Big Sur with evacuation orders downgraded to warnings

The Timber Fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain southeast of Big Sur within the Los Padres National Forest and Ventana Wilderness. Over the last 72 hours, the fire has held its perimeter, with activity confined to creeping and smoldering in heavy timber. Crews continue patrolling lines to protect the Apple Pie community, with no immediate threat to reopened coastal corridors.

Evacuations and Closures

• Evacuation warnings remain in effect for Monterey County zones MRY-F031-A, MRY-D089, and MRY-D091, downgraded from orders on September 16.
• Evacuation warnings were lifted on September 16 for zones MRY-F016, MRY-F017, MRY-F018, MRY-F019, MRY-F021-A, MRY-F021-B, MRY-F022, MRY-F024, MRY-F026, MRY-F027-A, MRY-F027-B, MRY-F030-A, and MRY-F032-A.
• The Monterey Ranger District of the Los Padres National Forest remains entirely closed under Forest Order 05-07-51-26-10, encompassing the Ventana and Silver Peak wildernesses (September 17).
• Highway 1 is open to through traffic between Cambria and Carmel, with motorists advised to watch for roadside crews and hazards (September 17).
• Emergency shelter facilities have closed, while SPCA Monterey County continues providing animal boarding and rescue support (September 19).

Impact

Three firefighters have been reported injured since the fire began, reported on September 17. Coastal smoke has diminished, though residual haze continues to drift eastward into Fort Hunter Liggett and Lockwood. The Community Foundation for Monterey County has activated a relief fund to assist affected residents.

Conditions and Outlook

Light southeasterly winds will shift to northwesterly breezes early next week, accompanied by overcast skies and improving humidity recoveries. Fire activity is expected to remain low, with smoldering confined to isolated pockets of heavy fuels in inaccessible terrain. Firefighters will continue direct and indirect extinguishment efforts while securing and mopping up perimeter lines.

Cause and Context

The cause of the fire remains under investigation as of September 18. Burning largely within the footprint of the 2016 Soberanes Fire, crews are utilizing previously established containment lines to help secure the perimeter.

Official updates current through September 19, 2026.