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7h ago

Timber Fire Near Big Sur Reaches About 2,500 Acres, Shuts a 10‑Mile Stretch of Highway 1

Heavy marine layer and steep ridges have limited air support and raised the threat to roughly 260 nearby structures.

Images from Big Sur’s Timber Fire. As of Aug. 11, 2026, the fire has burned nearly 2,500 acres in the heart of the Central Coast’s oceanfront stretch.
Local residents, who call themselves the “Coast Ridge Road Boys,” voluntarily battle flames as the Timber Fire continues to burn in Big Sur, Calif., on Aug. 10, 2026.
A bulldozer in operation as the Timber Fire burns in Big Sur, Calif., on Aug. 10, 2026.
Crews clear brush above Castro Canyon as the Timber Fire burns in Big Sur on Tuesday. 

Overview

  • The Timber Fire, which grew to roughly 2,400–2,500 acres Tuesday, is about 5% contained and remains active on its northern and eastern flanks.
  • The California Highway Patrol closed an approximately 10‑mile section of State Route 1 to keep the route clear for responders and evacuees.
  • Monterey County expanded mandatory evacuations and warnings, including an immediate order for Zone MRY‑F023 and shelter services at Carmel Middle School.
  • Nearly 300 to 500 firefighters with engines, dozers, helicopters and air tankers are on the line but crews say a heavy marine layer and steep, cliff‑like terrain have limited aerial drops and access.
  • Cal Fire reports just under 260 structures are threatened, including Ventana Inn, Nepenthe and the Henry Miller Memorial Library, and officials warn warmer, drier inland weather could worsen fire behavior over the coming days.