Timber Fire slows; Highway 1 road closure moved and evacuation orders reduced.

As of 2pm, Tuesday, Aug. 18, the Timber Fire has burned 5,269 acres and is 21 percent contained. 

Evacuation orders for zones MRY-F023, MRY-F025 and MRY-F026 have been reduced to warnings, and all previous evacuation warnings remain in effect.

The road closure on Highway 1 has also shifted. The traffic-control point on the north side of Highway 1 has been moved to just south of Alila Ventana Resort and Post Ranch Inn at mile marker 44.5. The south side closure on Highway 1 remains the same, at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park near mile marker 37. 

“Fire activity remained minimal overnight, and containment lines continue to hold,” according to Cal Fire. “Crews are mopping up and strengthening containment lines along the southern portion of the fire near Partington Ridge.”

Firefighters will continue holding the fire south of the Big Sur River and along the Ventana Wilderness to the east. There are 1,995 personnel and 160 engines assigned to the Timber Fire as of Tuesday. 

The emergency shelter at Carmel Middle School at 4380 Carmel Valley Road will remain open until evacuation orders are lifted. The current shelter census is seven overnight guests plus one dog; 26 are registered for meals, according to the County of Monterey. A number of community groups have organized to support firefighters and people displaced by the blaze. 

The marine layer will continue to gradually compress over the next couple days, according to Cal Fire. 

For the latest evacuation information, visit Ready Monterey County: readymontereycounty.org.