Timber Fire becomes California's 3rd largest fire of 2026; evacuations expanded, Highway 1 closed again

The Timber Fire in Big Sur has grown to the state's third largest wildfire this year, as officials closed a stretch of Highway 1 as part of firefighting efforts.

As of Thursday afternoon, the fire had burned 19,296 acres and is 21% contained, according to Cal Fire. More than 660 structures remain threatened and authorities expanded evacuations orders and warnings. 

The most destructive fire in the state so far this year is the Bug Fire, which burned more than 93,000 acres along the California-Nevada border near Reno earlier this month, followed by the Biscar fire, which burned about 69,000 acres in Lassen County in July.

In a statement Thursday, officials noted challenging weather conditions in battling the Timber Fire, which started on the night of Aug. 8. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

"Overnight, the Timber Fire pushed east and north deep into the Ventana Wilderness, crossing Ventana Creek and making runs through the Lion Creek and Big Sur River drainages. Critical fire weather remains the primary driver of this fire as the incident enters its tenth consecutive day of relative humidity below 30%, overnight recoveries in the upper teens, and temperatures near 80°F," officials said.

Relief could come on Thursday night with a slight increase in overnight humidity and cooler overnight temperatures. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for the Central Coast and Santa Cruz Mountains beginning Friday morning amid concerns about potential lightning and strong winds.

Highway 1 Closure Details

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office said a stretch of Highway 1 will be closed beginning at 1 p.m. Thursday, as the U.S. Forest Service begins what is being described as "critical backburning operations" near the highway and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. 

According to the California Highway Patrol, the hard closure is between mile marker 50 to the north near Old Coast Road and mile marker 45 at the Big Sur Deli.

More evacuations in Monterey County ordered for Timber Fire

Evacuation orders and warnings were expanded on Thursday. Up-to-date evacuation information can be found at alertmry.org/alerts. A map of current evacuation orders and warnings can be found at project.genasys.com. 

As of 5:23 p.m. on Thursday, the following zones were under evacuation orders:

• MRY-D082
• MRY-D089
• MRY-D090
• MRY-D091
• MRY-F015-B 
• MRY-F015-C
• MRY-F022
• MRY-F023-A
• MRY-F025
• MRY-F023-B
• MRY-F028-B
• MRY-F028-C
• MRY-F029
• MRY-F031-A

Evacuation warnings were in effect for the following zones:

• MRY-D078
• MRY-D084
• MRY-D085
• MRY-D086
• MRY-D088
• MRY-F015-B
• MRY-F018
• MRY-F019
• MRY-F020
• MRY-F021-B
• MRY-F024
• MRY-F026
• MRY-F027-A
• MRY-F027-B
• MRY-F028-A
• MRY-F028-D
• MRY-F030-A
• MRY-F030-B
• MRY-F031-B
• MRY-F032-A
• MRY-F032-B

Shelter-in-place orders are in effect for the following zones:

• MRY-F021-A
• MRY-F021-B
• MRY-F024
• MRY-F026
• MRY-F027-A

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office said anyone who chooses to stay in areas under an evacuation order or a shelter-in-place order must be prepared to self-sustain for up to seven days, or until officials lift restrictions. Residents who are unable to self-sustain are being urged to relocate.

"You must have sufficient food, water, medications, fuel for generators, and essential supplies. Access to and from these areas will be completely restricted," officials said.

Officials did not provide an estimate when Highway 1 would be reopened.