Timber Fire pushes deeper into Monterey Co. wilderness as flames, evacuations expand: CAL FIRE
MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. -- The Timber Fire pushed deeper into the Ventana Wilderness early Monday morning, with firefighters preparing for more operations as the blaze moves through steep, rugged terrain in Monterey County.
On the northern and eastern sides of the fire, where activity has increased, flames have merged and expanded farther into the Ventana Wilderness, which is located in the Santa Lucia Range of Monterey County. According to CAL FIRE, the blaze has reached partway up Island Mountain.
The Timber Fire is expected to move up canyon through the Lion Creek drainage toward Ventana Double Cone and the upper Carmel River basin, CAL FIRE officials said.
The fire remains held at Logwood Ridge, where firefighters are preparing for operations along Coast Ridge Road. Due to the steep and rugged terrain, aircraft will need to support the crews with water and retardant drops.
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CAL FIRE officials said firefighters are also continuing to work on hot spots in the Torre Canyon area left from operations last week. They are also mopping up and removing equipment along the coastal side of the fire while strengthening contingency lines north and south of the blaze.
The weather is expected to provide some relief as high clouds, slightly cooler temperatures and a somewhat deeper marine layer could lead to less fire activity on Monday, according to CAL FIRE. However, humidity recovery is expected to remain poor overnight, and winds will vary depending on the terrain.
The fire had reached 12,616 acres and was 25% contained as of Sunday evening, according to a CAL FIRE update. More than 1,200 firefighters have been assigned to the blaze, which was threatening about 530 structures at the time.
The Timber Fire started Aug. 8 southeast of Loma Vista on a trail in Los Padres National Forest.
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