The Timber Fire burning along the Big Sur coast surpassed 19,000 acres as rugged terrain and low humidity hampered firefighting efforts, according to Cal Fire. The blaze prompted officials to plan an indefinite closure of Highway 1.
Timber Fire Acreage Growth and Containment Levels
As of Thursday morning, the Timber Fire burned 19,296 acres with containment dropping to 21%, according to Cal Fire. Those figures compare to 17,817 acres and 23% containment reported on Wednesday. The blaze threatens a total of 661 structures in the region.
Overnight, flames jumped across Ventana Creek as the fire pushed north and east through the Lion Creek and Big Sur River drainage areas. According to Cal Fire, critical fire weather remained the primary driver of the incident, with relative humidity remaining below 30% for ten consecutive days, overnight recoveries in the upper teens, and temperatures hovering near 80°F.
The complicated Big Sur wilderness topography continued to challenge ground crews. Cal Fire reported that the fire kept torching, backing, and reversing directions on steep slopes. Firefighters successfully contained a spot fire that breached a control line overnight.
Highway 1 Indefinite Closure Details
The California Highway Patrol announced an indefinite closure of a portion of Highway 1 starting Thursday afternoon to assist emergency responders and protect public safety. According to the California Highway Patrol, the closure spans from one mile south of Old Coast Road on the north side to half a mile south of Deetjens Big Sur Inn on the south side. Officials have not determined when the highway will reopen.
Heavy smoke from the fire trapped poor visibility along the Highway 1 corridor during morning hours earlier in the week, according to Cal Fire. Forecasters predict cooler temperatures and higher humidity levels across the Central Coast, though Cal Fire warned that the incoming cool front could bring unruly wind gusts before conditions dry out again over the weekend.
Evacuations and Firefighting Operations
Fire crews are conducting firing operations to clear unburned fuel between the active fire edge and established containment lines, according to Cal Fire. Meanwhile, Big Sur residents across 11 zones remained under evacuation orders, and residents in 22 additional zones remained under evacuation warnings.
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