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Tracked IncidentCA

Timber Fire

Feed checked
Oct 23, 2026 09:40 UTC
Source record updated
Oct 21, 2026 22:29 UTC
Last recorded incident change
Oct 21, 2026 22:29 UTC

Feed checks and source-record updates do not necessarily mean fire conditions changed. Figures below reflect the last recorded incident report.

25,350
Acres
97%
Contained
148
Personnel

Situation Summary

Automated summary generated: Oct 21, 2026 23:05 UTC. It may lag behind the report and is not an official alert.

The Timber Fire, located 4 miles southeast of Big Sur in Monterey County, California, was first discovered on August 9, 2026. By August 31, the blaze had expanded to 24,970 acres and was 21% contained, with 2,334 personnel engaged and active flanking and uphill runs. The fire grew modestly to 25,513 acres by September 25, reaching 59% containment and 920 personnel. By October 9, the area stabilized at 25,350 acres, 97% contained, and minimal creeping behavior, with 266 personnel. Subsequent daily reports show no change in size or containment, with personnel fluctuating between 141 and 197 and costs rising from $182.65 million to $188.89 million. The incident remains under USFS jurisdiction, and the cause is undetermined.

Official source description: 4 Miles SE from Big Sur, CA

Fire Behavior in Last Recorded Report

Minimal; Creeping; Smoldering; Uphill Runs

Intelligence Timeline

Wed, Oct 21 - 10:29 PM Source: NIFC
25,350 acres
97% cont.
Wed, Oct 21 - 12:10 AM Source: NIFC
25,350 acres
97% cont.
Mon, Oct 19 - 9:56 PM Source: NIFC
25,350 acres
97% cont.
Sun, Oct 18 - 10:44 PM Source: NIFC
25,350 acres
97% cont.
Sat, Oct 17 - 10:32 PM Source: NIFC
25,350 acres
97% cont.

Location

Regional Air Quality

55
Moderate
AQI · PM2.5

Moderate air quality. Unusually sensitive individuals should consider reducing prolonged outdoor exertion.

Reporting area: Not reported. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).

Observed: 2026-10-23 08:00:00 UTC Β· Site: Carmel Valley AMS.

Public Safety & Travel

Any automated community or travel summary below may be outdated. It is not a live evacuation or road-closure notice.

Check Official Alerts

Verify evacuation orders, closures and access with the responsible fire agency, county emergency management or sheriff. A containment percentage, feed status or AQI reading does not establish that an area is safe to enter.

NIFC fire information and official resources β†’

IRWIN ID: {51374D2C-D96B-40F7-940B-6CB8E0A483A2}

Discovered: Aug 9, 2026

Cause: Undetermined

Managing Agency: USFS

Est. Cost to Date: $185,257,000

Coordinates: 36.2159, -121.7175

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many acres has the Timber Fire burned?

The Timber Fire has burned 25,350 acres as of October 21, 2026.

Is the Timber Fire contained?

As of the latest update, the Timber Fire is 97% contained.

What caused the Timber Fire?

The official cause has been listed as: Undetermined.

Where is the Timber Fire located?

The Timber Fire is burning in Monterey, CA.

Is the Timber Fire still active?

The Timber Fire currently meets our U.S. incident tracking criteria. This does not confirm current fire behavior.

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