Nolan Hale reports Timber Fire expands to over 12,000 acres with 25% containment in Monterey County
The Timber Fire has grown to 12,616 acres in Monterey County, reaching 25% containment as of Monday morning. Nolan Hale, the Timber Fire Operations Section Chief, reported that the blaze expanded significantly over the weekend due to critically low fuel moisture, warm temperatures, and low relative humidity. The fire, which began on August 8 in the Los Padres National Forest, is currently moving into the Ventana Wilderness and has reached partway up Island Mountain. Firefighters are focusing on strengthening contingency lines to the north and south to protect the community of Big Sur. While the western side of the fire remains relatively quiet due to a persistent marine layer, the eastern side continues to experience hot, dry conditions. Evacuation orders and warnings have been expanded to cover large sections of the Los Padres National Forest. The Tassajara Zen Mountain Center has been placed under an evacuation order due to worsening air quality. The cause of the fire remains under investigation as 1,368 personnel work to contain the blaze.