Monday, 10 August 2026, 13:55
Firefighters in Monterey County are battling the Timber Fire near Big Sur, a blaze that has triggered evacuation orders along a scenic stretch of Highway 1. The fire was first reported Sunday and has quickly charred 800 acres in remote, rugged terrain as of Monday.
The Timber Fire started Sunday in a remote area of Los Padres National Forest, according to the U.S. Forest Service. By Sunday evening, Cal Fire listed the fire at 400 acres with 20% containment, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. NBC Bay Area earlier reported the fire had burned over 300 acres, reflecting the blaze's rapid growth.
As of Monday, the fire had grown to 800 acres, according to a live map of the incident. The increased size prompted evacuation orders for nearby zones.
Crews used both ground and air resources to slow the fire's spread and protect nearby communities. The steep Santa Lucia mountain range made access difficult, according to officials.
The Monterey County Sheriff's Office issued evacuation warnings at 3:30 p.m. Sunday for zones MRY-F026 and MRY-F027, covering coastline near Partington Ridge Road and North Coast Ridge Road. The warning area includes the Henry Miller Memorial Library but excludes the Alila Ventana Big Sur resort.
Officials said people in the warning zone should assume an evacuation order could follow. "This is your window to get ready: pack a go-bag, gather essential items, and make arrangements, especially if you have pets, large animals, or if you need extra time or assistance to leave," the sheriff's office said.
By Monday, those warnings had been upgraded to evacuation orders as the fire continued to spread, according to the live map.
Around 7 p.m., a separate evacuation warning was issued for the Bryson Fire in southern Monterey County near Sapague Road in Zone MRY-G047. The Bryson Fire began at 4:13 p.m. near the community of Lockwood and grew to 13 acres with 10% containment, Cal Fire said.
Big Sur is one of California's most iconic coastal destinations, known for narrow, winding Highway 1 and dramatic cliffs. The evacuation zones cover remote homes and businesses near the northern entrance to the Big Sur region. The two fires are burning roughly 30 miles apart, separated by the rugged Santa Lucia range.
Monterey County's wildland areas have faced repeated wildfire threats in recent decades. Dry summers, steep canyons, and limited road access make the Central Coast especially vulnerable to fast-moving fires. The Los Padres National Forest, where the Timber Fire started, has a long history of lightning and human-caused blazes.
Residents in the affected zones should heed evacuation orders and stay alert for further updates. Monitor Cal Fire and the Monterey County Sheriff's Office for the latest on the Timber and Bryson fires.
