Timber Fire swells in Big Sur as Highway 1 closure planned

The Timber Fire in Monterey County has grown to 19,296 acres (21% contained) and is prompting a Highway 1 closure between Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn and Andrew Molera State Park while crews conduct backburning and upgrade evacuation zones. Warnings and shelter-in-place orders cover multiple zones as responders deploy 1,228 personnel and extensive equipment. Tassajara Zen Mountain Center is among evacuated sites amid ongoing fire activity driven by hot, dry conditions, with long-range spotting observed; authorities warn 661 structures are at risk and the fire’s cause is under investigation (started Aug. 8 near Loma Vista).