Big Sur's Highway 1 set to reopen as Timber Fire containment improves
After more than two weeks of burning, Highway 1 through Big Sur will reopen Saturday afternoon while firefighters continue to battle the Timber Fire.
Cal Fire Operations Section Chief Mike Wink confirmed that Highway 1 through Big Sur will reopen to the public on Saturday afternoon, ending a two-week closure caused by the Timber Fire. Restaurants and hotels along the scenic route have begun welcoming customers, and PG&E crews have restored electricity to locations that were dark for 13 days. The wildfire has burned more than 7,500 acres in Monterey County but has caused no structural damage, injuries, or deaths.
Containment stands at 29%, with fire lines holding near the highway and aerial drops of water and retardant supporting ground crews. While the blaze continues to move northeast into the rugged terrain of Los Padres National Forest, its intensity near the Big Sur River has been reduced. Authorities have lifted evacuation orders in three of the five affected zones, and a segment between Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park will stay closed for a few more days.
Why it matters
Reopening Highway 1 restores a vital tourism corridor and signals progress in controlling a major California wildfire.
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