Timber Fire: Firefighters return to Big Sur wildfire after retreating due to lightning
MONTEREY, Calif. -- Weather conditions are hampering the work of firefighters attacking the Timber Fire burning in the Big Sur area of Monterey County on Wednesday, as lightning strikes plague the area, endangering CAL FIRE crews.
"Conditions across the Timber Fire are generating active cloud-to-ground lightning strikes, forcing ground crews to temporarily disengage from containment lines and fall back to designated safe zones for firefighter safety," said CAL FIRE on Wednesday afternoon.
There is a 15-20% chance of thunderstorms through the afternoon and evening in the area, which CAL FIRE said is creating elevated operational risks marked by strong, erratic wind gusts and atmospheric instability.
The blaze continued to grow on Wednesday, scorching more than 4,000 acres. Fire activity surged on Wednesday morning, according to CAL FIRE, and remained active around Partington Ridge and Coast Ridge Road.
The fire remains 7% contained.
Up to 640 residents were under evacuation orders and another roughly 350 were under evacuation warnings, according to Monterey County's Department of Emergency Management.
An overnight shelter for those under evacuation orders was established at Carmel Middle School. Three people stayed overnight Tuesday, according to the county.
The middle school is also serving as a temporary evacuation point for anyone under evacuation warnings who needs information or support.
CAL FIRE Battalion Chief Josh Silveira said during a virtual media briefing on the fire Wednesday that humidity had slightly increased, which was favorable for fighting the flames.
"But we can't change topography, so, that's going to be a challenge no matter what," Silveira said.
State Highway 1 was closed for a 10-mile stretch in the area southeast of Loma Vista to facilitate firefighting operations. Silveira acknowledged the difficulty of getting through the area for residents who depend on the highway for movement in the forested coastal area.
"We don't take those road closures lightly," he said.
The nonprofit organization Community Foundation for Monterey County began a fundraiser for residents impacted by the fire at https://cfmco.org/.
There were over 900 firefighters and a range of airborne equipment from throughout the state assigned to the fire.
Over 500 structures were threatened as of Wednesday, including several iconic Big Sur properties known for high-end lodging and dining, including Nepenthe, Alila Ventana Big Sur, The Sur House, and Sierra Mar.
Air Quality Impacts
The Bay Area Air District issued an air quality advisory until Wednesday as wildfire smoke from Monterey County is expected to drift into the South Bay and East Bay.
On Tuesday, the Bay Area Air District said smoky, hazy skies and the smell of smoke may affect areas in the South and East Bay. The air district said pollution levels were not expected to exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 24-hour health standards, but the air quality could still become unhealthy as smoke conditions change.
The air district said wildfire smoke contains particulate matter and other pollutants that can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing or irritated sinuses. Older adults, children and people with respiratory illnesses are especially vulnerable to smoke exposure and should take extra precautions, the agency said.
Conditions will continue to be monitored throughout the region and residents can check the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Fire and Smoke Map for air quality levels in their city at https://fire.airnow.gov/.
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ABC7 Eyewitness News contributed to this report
