Two major wildfires in Monterey County are continuing to expand as firefighting teams face challenges in controlling both blazes.
The larger of the two, known as the Timber fire, had consumed approximately 25,190 acres by Monday night and was reported to be 22% contained. This fire was initially reported on the morning of August 9, and officials said that it still presents a threat to the Big Sur region and surrounding communities in southern Monterey County. As of Monday night, no new evacuation orders or warnings have been issued, Lookout Santa Cruz reported.
A Cal Fire incident management team, which is a specialized group of emergency responders that offers leadership and coordination during complex incidents, is still overseeing the fire response. Additionally, a crew from the Central Fire District of Santa Cruz County has been deployed to assist with the ongoing efforts.
Crews are concentrating on strengthening existing fire lines to prevent any further spread of the fire, according to Cal Fire’s incident page.
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Evacuation orders have been implemented for multiple zones in southern Monterey County, and as of Monday, officials in San Luis Obispo County have also issued evacuation warnings, as stated on the Cal Fire incident page. Approximately 25 miles to the south, the Plaskett fire has expanded to 26,734 acres as of Monday evening, with only 1% containment reported.
Authorities indicate that the fire, which ignited on August 26, is advancing swiftly and is situated in “steep, rugged terrain with thick vegetation,” complicating access for ground crews. The fire exhibited “continued aggressive growth” on Monday, particularly along its eastern perimeter as flames advanced further into Fort Hunter Liggett, according to fire officials.
