A wildfire burning in Monterey County grew to 3,150 acres and was 5% contained Wednesday morning as firefighters protected hundreds of threatened structures and officials ordered residents to evacuate several areas.

The Timber Fire, which started Sunday southeast of Loma Vista, remained active along its southern edge near Partington Ridge and Coast Ridge Road, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The cause was under investigation.

The fire was threatening 503 structures, according to incident information from CalFire. No structures were reported destroyed or damaged.

Fire Activity Surges

Fire activity surged early Wednesday as flames backed toward Highway 1. On the western side near Partington Ridge, bulldozer operators and ground crews built fire line toward the highway while other crews extinguished hot spots and patrolled around homes.

Near Ventana, firefighters were mopping up around structures and completing hand line. Rolling debris and embers along Coast Ridge Road sparked spot fires, which firefighters contained.

On the northern flank, bulldozers began building fire line along a ridge toward Highway 1 and the Big Sur River. The eastern side of the fire remained active in wilderness areas, where crews were looking for safe opportunities to engage the blaze.

Fire activity increased overnight above 1,000 feet on the western flank. Crews continued protecting structures east of Highway 1 from Ventana south to Partington Road, while hotshot crews worked through steep terrain and heavy vegetation to establish containment lines.

Additional firefighting resources were arriving Wednesday. The response included 904 personnel, 36 engines, six water tenders, six helicopters, seven bulldozers, and 26 hand crews. Air tankers from around California were also conducting suppression missions as conditions allowed.

Weather could complicate firefighting efforts Wednesday afternoon and evening. Officials said there was a 15% to 20% chance of thunderstorms entering the fire area, potentially bringing strong and erratic winds and unstable conditions. Elevated fire weather conditions were possible, though conditions were expected to vary across the fire area.

Evacuation Orders, Warnings

Evacuation orders were in effect for zones MRY-FO23, MRY-F025, MRY-F026, MRY-F027, and MRY-F028-A. Evacuation warnings were issued for MRY-FO21-B, MRY-FO22, MRY-F024, MRY-F028-B, and MRY-FO29.

Carmel Middle School, 4380 Carmel Valley Road in Carmel, was designated as a temporary evacuation point.

Highway 1 remained closed between Fernwood Resort at 47200 Highway 1 and the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Vista Point.

Officials urged residents in and near evacuation zones to remain vigilant, monitor evacuation information, and follow evacuation orders and warnings.

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