Timber Fire Expands to 12,616 Acres as Evacuations Widen in Big Sur

Timber Fire grew to 12,616 acres in Monterey County and is 25% contained, burning into the Ventana Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest; evacuation orders and warnings expanded east of Big Sur, with Highway 1 open but portions within warning zones. The Tassajara Zen Mountain Center is evacuating, and 1,368 personnel are on scene with 661 structures threatened. Forecasters expect slightly cooler, moister conditions that could reduce activity, but humidity will remain poor and the fire’s cause is under investigation.