Timber Fire in Big Sur Grows to 2,500 Acres, Triggers Evacuations and Tourism Disruptions

A wildfire that ignited Sunday in the Los Padres National Forest near Loma Vista has swelled to almost 2,500 acres by midday Tuesday, according to Cal Fire officials. The blaze, which is only 5 % contained, is advancing slowly through grass, brush and oak woodland on the eastern side of Highway 1, and crews are focused on protecting homes in the Ventana area.

Cal Fire first reported the fire at 10:44 a.m. Sunday. By Monday evening it had burned more than 1,700 acres, and by Tuesday it had nearly doubled in size. The fire has remained on the east side of Highway 1, where the road acts as a narrow natural barrier. Rugged terrain and limited access have hampered ground crews.

Evacuation orders have expanded to include several high‑profile destinations. The Ventana Inn, Nepenthe restaurant and the Henry Miller Memorial Library are all under immediate evacuation orders. Cal Fire has issued orders for zones MRY‑F026 and MRY‑F027 along Partington Ridge Road and North Coast Ridge Road, and for MRY‑F025 and MRY‑F028‑A during Monday’s daytime. On Tuesday, residents of MRY‑F023 were ordered to leave, and the surrounding areas MRY‑F022, MRY‑F024, MRY‑F028‑B and MRY‑F029 are under evacuation warnings. In total, just under 260 structures are threatened.

Local residents describe the experience of living near the fire. Meredith Gafill, whose family runs Nepenthe, said she could see smoke from her patio and later flames at night. She added that she has lived in Big Sur for 30 years and has seen many fires, but the current situation feels “huge” and “abundant.” Kate Novoa, who lives farther south, noted that she can see Partington Ridge shrouded in smoke from her home and that the fire’s movement reminded her of the 2008 Basin Complex Fire.

The blaze has disrupted tourism and transportation on the iconic Highway 1. Monterey County closed all Big Sur state parks, including Andrew Molera, Julia Pfeiffer Burns, Pfeiffer Big Sur and Point Sur, on Monday. The sheriff’s office urged the public to keep the highway clear for first responders. Caltrans spokesman Kevin Drabinski said the agency is asking travelers to use alternate routes because the fire is just above the highway and responders are moving equipment along the road.

The fire could affect the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance, a major event that traces the coast from Pebble Beach to Big Sur. Organizers announced a contingency plan for Thursday’s event, with an alternate route that would protect spectators and give first responders space.

Nearly 500 fire personnel are fighting the blaze, including 36 engines, multiple dozers and helicopters. Cal Fire also has several air tankers from across the state on standby, depending on weather. Residents report that fog has kept the fire close to the ground and reduced wind, but it also makes it difficult for helicopters to drop water and for planes to conduct drops.

An evacuation center has been set up at Carmel Middle School, where people can access incident information and resources. Cal Fire said that as of Tuesday morning, ground crews were attempting to access difficult terrain and focusing on protecting homes near Highway 1. The agency expects warmer and drier conditions to move in over the eastern portions of the fire, but a 15 % chance of showers and thunderstorms is forecast for Wednesday afternoon and evening.

At present, the Timber Fire remains largely contained by the highway, but the situation is evolving. Cal Fire will continue to monitor the fire’s spread, update containment percentages, and adjust evacuation orders as needed. Travelers are advised to stay informed through Cal Fire, Caltrans, and local news outlets.