Evacuations at luxury Big Sur resort as raging wildfire explodes in size

A fast-moving wildfire tearing through Big Sur has forced evacuations at some of California’s most exclusive resorts as firefighters battle flames that have scorched the region.

The Timber Fire, which erupted Sunday in the Los Padres National Forest southeast of Loma Vista, had grown to roughly 2,000 acres and remained just 5% contained Tuesday morning, according to Cal Fire.

The blaze has triggered evacuation orders across parts of Big Sur, forcing visitors and workers to flee from several of the area’s best-known destinations, including the adults-only Alila Ventana Big Sur, which spans 160 acres of redwoods and meadows along Highway 1, as well as the famed Nepenthe restaurant, Henry Miller Memorial Library, Post Ranch Inn and Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn.

The resort, which typically ranges from $2,000 to $2,900 per night, is known for its secluded accommodations, ocean views, pools, Japanese hot baths and Sur House restaurant.

“Resort operations will remain suspended while the Evacuation Order is in effect,” Sebastian Gurevich told SFGATE.

“We remain in close communication with local emergency authorities and will continue to closely monitor the situation and follow their guidance.”

Nearby Nepenthe is another Big Sur institution caught in the evacuation.

The cliffside restaurant opened in 1949 and is famed for its sweeping Pacific views and its signature Ambrosia Burger. Its perch above Highway 1 has made it one of the region’s most recognizable tourist stops.

The Henry Miller Memorial Library, at 48603 Highway 1, has also been forced to close.

The nonprofit arts center, bookstore and performance venue is dedicated to writer and artist Henry Miller and has become a popular cultural stop for travelers passing through Big Sur. 

Post Ranch Inn, another high-end coastal retreat, is also among the properties affected by evacuation orders.

The wildfire comes as Big Sur is in its busy summer tourism season, when Highway 1 draws large numbers of visitors and popular stops can become crowded.

Officials have urged tourists to stay away so evacuation routes remain open and firefighters can operate safely.

The fire has also prompted evacuations for campers, hotel guests and residents. Carmel Middle School has been designated as a shelter, while some nearby hotels are offering reduced rates to people displaced by the blaze.

Cal Fire assumed command of the incident Monday afternoon from the US Forest Service and is coordinating with federal and local agencies.

Aerial tankers have been conducting suppression missions when weather and conditions allow.

With the fire still only 5% contained, officials warn that conditions can change rapidly as firefighters work to prevent the flames from pushing farther into the heavily populated and visited stretches of Big Sur.

Nearly 500 personnel were fighting the fire, with 36 engines, seven water tenders, eight helicopters, five bulldozers and 13 hand crews assigned to the incident, according to Cal Fire.

The blaze has threatened 259 structures, though no buildings had been reported destroyed or damaged and no civilian or firefighter injuries had been reported as of Tuesday morning.

The cause remained under investigation. Crews are facing steep, rugged terrain and constantly shifting winds as they try to slow the blaze.

“The winds are switching directions pretty regularly, so it’s definitely giving us challenges in getting the upper hand on this type of fire,” Cal Fire Battalion Chief Josh Silveira said, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The eastern side of the fire has been particularly active, with flames moving uphill through steep terrain. Firefighters have concentrated containment efforts along the western edge nearest Highway 1.

The California Highway Patrol has closed a 12-mile stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway to nonresidents between Point Sur Lighthouse and Vista Point.

“The fire remains highly active, and conditions can change rapidly,” the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said Monday.

“We are respectfully asking the public to stay out of the area. Roadways must remain clear so first responders can work safely and effectively.”

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