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Timber Fire Grows into Ventana Wilderness as Crews Expand Evacuations

Rugged, remote slopes are forcing reliance on aircraft and prompting expanded evacuations that keep stretches of Highway 1 under warning.

Overview

  • The Timber Fire has burned about 12,616 acres and is roughly 25% contained, with Cal Fire reporting those figures on Monday.
  • Recent intelligence flights validated merged fire activity on the northern and eastern flanks and showed the blaze pushing into the Ventana Wilderness and up Island Mountain.
  • More than 1,300 personnel and substantial aircraft support remain assigned, and commanders are prioritizing aerial water and retardant drops where steep terrain blocks ground crews.
  • Monterey County officials have modified and expanded evacuation orders and warnings across many MRY zones, and a roughly 10-mile stretch of Highway 1 was reopened while other coastal sections remain within warning areas.
  • No structures or injuries have been reported so far, the cause is still under investigation, and crews are strengthening contingency lines and preparing firing operations to limit further spread.