Evacuations issued in Timber Fire burning in California's Big Sur
Evacuations were in effect for part of California's Big Sur on Monday after a fire that broke out over the weekend continued to grow in size.
The fire, dubbed the "Timber Fire" was first reported around 9:40 p.m. on Saturday in the Los Padres National Forest southeast of Loma Vista. Officials said the fire is burning in a remote location that is difficult to access.
According to Cal Fire, 1,723 acres have burned as of 3:17 p.m. on Monday, up from 800 acres at 6 a.m. Monday and 400 acres at 7:25 p.m. on Sunday. Containment was at 5%.
Evacuations for Timber Fire
Up-to-date information can be found at alertmry.org/alerts and the sheriff's Facebook page.
The Monterey County Sheriff's Office announced evacuation orders and warnings on Monday for the fire.
Mandatory evacuations were in effect for the following zones.
- MRY-F028-A
- MRY-F026
- MRY-F025
- MRY-F027
Warnings were in place for MRY-F024, MRY-F028-B, and MRY-F023.
HIghway 1 in the area was closed to the public, except for residents, at Point Sur Lighthouse and at the Vista Point near mile marker 37.5, Cal Fire said.
Firefighting efforts
"The fire is burning in steep, rugged, and difficult terrain, which continues to hamper firefighter access and suppression efforts. CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 1 has been requested to assist with management of this rapidly evolving incident," Los Padres National Forest officials said on social media on Monday.
Cal Fire crews are also battling a second fire in southern Monterey County. Dubbed the "Bryson Fire," the fire burned 16 acres and is 90% contained as of Sunday night.
There are no immediate reports of damage or injuries in connection with the Timber Fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
