The Timber Fire has burned 4,545 acres in Monterey County and was 7% contained Friday morning as crews worked to strengthen containment lines and keep the fire south of the Big Sur River.

The U.S. Forest Service said crews have completed containment line from DeAngulo Ridge to Partington Road along the southern edge of the fire, as well as containment line along the Coast Ridge Trail southeast toward Highway 1, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Crews worked overnight behind homes east of Highway 1, cutting handline to create a continuous containment feature behind the residences. The fire has shown little activity in that area for several days.

Fire has been confirmed over the Pine Ridge Trail system, with rollout toward the Big Sur River. The fire remained south of the river, a key containment objective. Dozer and handline have been completed to help keep containment secure.

The eastern side of the Timber Fire was active overnight near Olmstead Mountain. Crews are reopening containment lines previously created with equipment and assessing opportunities to conduct suppression work closer to the fire’s edge.

Residents in Carmel Valley and communities with access to previously used containment lines should expect to see equipment entering the area.

A trough of low pressure off the coast is expected to bring cooler and wetter conditions to the coastal side of the fire for the next several days. Areas above the marine layer and east of the fire are expected to be warmer and drier, with possible afternoon sunshine.

Evacuation Orders, Warnings

Evacuation orders are in effect for zones MRY-F023, MRY-F025, MRY-F026, MRY-F027 and MRY-F028-A.

Evacuation warnings are in effect for zones MRY-F021-B, MRY-F022, MRY-F024, MRY-F028-B and MRY-F029. People who need additional time to evacuate and those with pets or livestock should leave areas under evacuation warnings.

Highway 1 remains closed for public and firefighter safety. The northern closure is at mile marker 45.1 near the Big Sur Bakery, and the southern closure is near mile marker 37 at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

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

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