Timber Fire in Big Sur prompts evacuations as it spreads to 1,700 acres

A fast-growing wildfire in Big Sur—the Timber fire—has grown to about 1,700 acres and is only 5% contained, triggering evacuation orders for iconic spots like Nepenthe, Henry Miller Memorial Library, and the Alila Ventana Big Sur, with Pacific Coast Highway closed to nonresidents. About 300 firefighters were on scene with multiple aerial assets, while conditions including steep terrain, dry heat and variable winds hinder containment; Cal Fire has assumed command and opened an evacuation shelter at Carmel Middle School as residents and visitors flee to safety.