Timber Fire grows to 3,774 acres in Big Sur, California

The Timber Fire in the Big Sur area of Monterey County, California, has grown to approximately 3,774 acres. As of Wednesday, August 12, 2026, containment efforts reached between 5% and 7%.

Firefighting operations faced temporary interruptions due to a storm system that brought lightning strikes to the region. While rain may assist in dampening the blaze, officials noted that accompanying strong winds could increase fire risks. The fire originated north of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and has been spreading primarily in northward and southward directions.

Authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders for large areas of Big Sur, impacting residents, campgrounds, hotels, and state parks. Officials are urging tourists to avoid the area to ensure first responders can operate safely, even in locations where hotels remain open and outside of immediate evacuation zones.