Timber Fire in California's Big Sur grows to 2,000 acres; evacuations, park closures in effect

The Timber Fire burning in Big Sur continued to grow overnight, officials said, as evacuations remain in effect for parts of the rugged portion of California's Central Coast.

As of 7 a.m. Tuesday, Cal Fire said the fire had burned 2,000 acres, with containment at 5%. The fire was first reported around 9:40 p.m. Saturday in the Los Padres National Forest southeast of Loma Vista.

"The fire is moving at a slow rate of spread, burning primarily along the ground through grass, brush, and oak woodland. It has not moved into the treetops. Ground crews are working to access difficult terrain while aircraft support them from above by dropping water and retardant on active areas to slow the fire's growth," forest officials said on social media Monday night. "A major focus of the response is protecting nearby homes and preventing the fire from crossing Highway 1."

As of Tuesday morning, evacuation orders are in effect for the following zones.

• MRY-F025
• MRY-F026
• MRY-F027
• MRY-F028-A

Monterey County officials said a temporary evacuation point will be moved Tuesday morning to the evacuation shelter at Carmel Middle School located at 4380 Carmel Valley Road in Carmel.

According to the California Highway Patrol, Highway 1 does remain open through the area, but motorists are highly encouraged to avoid the area and to follow all evacuation orders and instructions from emergency personnel.

California State Parks said parks in the Big Sur area are closed, including Point Sur State Historic Park, Andrew Molera State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

There are no immediate reports of injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.