The Timber Fire near Big Sur has grown to 800 acres and is now five percent contained, doubling in size from the estimate reported earlier this morning. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has issued evacuation orders for two zones, along with evacuation warnings for several additional areas. The mandatory evacuation order includes the Ventana Inn. The fire began late Saturday night and continued spreading through heavy fuels in steep, rugged terrain southeast of Loma Vista in the Los Padres National Forest. Cal Fire initially reported the fire was 20 percent contained Sunday afternoon, but later revised that figure downward to five percent. Firefighters are continuing to battle the blaze as crews work in challenging conditions and difficult terrain. So far, there have been no reports of structures damaged or destroyed, and no injuries have been reported. Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to follow evacuation orders and remain alert for changing conditions as the fire continues to burn.
