Timber Fire Containment Climbs to 22% as Crews Gain Ground in Monterey County

Crews battling the Timber Fire in Monterey County are finally seeing some positive momentum. As of Tuesday morning, containment has risen to 22%, according to Cal Fire. The blaze, which started on August 8 southeast of Loma Vista, has scorched more than 25,000 acres. A combination of cooler temperatures and higher humidity is giving the 2,000-plus firefighters on the scene a much-needed advantage.

However, the threat is far from over. Around 660 structures remain in the fire’s path, and mandatory evacuation orders are still in effect. Highway 1 is closed in both directions through the burn area, which will impact travel and tourism along the central coast. Residents west of the fire zone are facing a tough choice: shelter in place, or leave if they can’t sustain themselves independently for a full seven days. That means having adequate food, water, and medication on hand. One firefighter has also been injured, though details have not been released.

For California residents, this fire is a reminder of how quickly conditions can change and how important it is to have an emergency plan ready. The progress being made is encouraging, but full containment is still a ways off. Are you prepared to evacuate or shelter in place if a wildfire threatened your community? Let us know in the comments below.