Latest Advisory

August 31, 2026 - 3:30 p.m.

The Latest Updates

The Timber Fire is currently mapped at 24,951 acres with 21% containment and more than 2,300+ personnel assigned to the incident. The fire is now approximately 9 miles from The Preserve's southern border. There is NO immediate threat to The Preserve. 

There are currently no Evacuation Warnings or Evacuation Orders affecting The Preserve.

As the fire continues to progress through difficult terrain, Preserve Emergency Services and CAL FIRE are increasing contingency preparations. Beginning Tuesday, September 1, residents will see an increased presence of fire personnel and equipment within The Preserve as crews begin work on contingency fire lines.

Timber Fire Facts

• Approximately 9 miles from The Preserve's southern border
• 24,951 acres
• 21% contained
• 2,300+ personnel
• No Evacuation Warnings or Evacuation Orders currently affecting The Preserve
• Preserve Emergency Services remains in constant communication with CAL FIRE
• Preserve alerts will continue to be issued for significant updates or changes affecting The Preserve

Planning Ahead - Fire Personnel and Operations Within The Preserve 

Beginning September 1, residents should expect to see fire personnel, vehicles, and equipment operating within The Preserve as crews begin constructing and improving contingency fire lines.

These operations are precautionary and are being completed now so that defensible lines are established well in advance should they become necessary.

Fire personnel and vehicles operating within The Preserve will be identified by writing/identification placed in vehicle windows and brightly colored placards displayed from rearview mirrors. Residents should not be alarmed by the increased presence of fire personnel or equipment.

Work will include contingency planning and line construction in areas including White Rock Ridge and San Clemente Ridge.

Residents may also see smoke or visible fire associated with planned firing operations. These operations, sometimes referred to as backfiring or burnout operations, are intentionally conducted by fire personnel under specific conditions to remove vegetation between established fire lines and the approaching wildfire.

Because these operations intentionally burn vegetation, they can temporarily produce significant smoke, visible flames, and an increase in mapped acreage. This does not necessarily indicate that the Timber Fire itself has made a sudden advance toward The Preserve.

Preserve Emergency Services will remain in direct communication with fire command regarding these activities and will provide information to residents when operations could create noticeable impacts within The Preserve.

These activities are being undertaken now for one reason: to be prepared well before they are needed.

Evacuation Zones and Early Preparedness

Monterey County uses predetermined evacuation zones to communicate Evacuation Warnings and Evacuation Orders during emergencies. Preserve residents are located within several of these zones, and an Evacuation Warning or Order may affect one portion of The Preserve without affecting the entire community.

We encourage all Preserve residents to become familiar with their evacuation zone now rather than waiting for an emergency notification.

Evacuation Zones: Find your Evacuation Zone by typing your address in the search engine HERE.

Individual Home Preparedness Consultations

Our Emergency Response Leadership Team of Kevin Kamnikar, Shaw Pick, Emily Aiken, and Phil Penko is available to assist residents who would like additional guidance regarding preparedness at their individual residence.

As conditions evolve, we will prioritize homes based on proximity to the fire and potential evacuation zones. Team members can visit individual residences to discuss preparedness, access, evacuation considerations, and recommended actions specific to the property.

To request an individual consultation, please email csd@santaluciapreserve.com.

Stay Informed

Please make sure you are registered for Alert Monterey County, the County's official emergency alert and warning system:

Register for Alert Monterey County Emergency Notifications

Preserve Updates: Current information and resources regarding the fire will remain available on the CSD website HERE.

CAL FIRE Updates: Receive notifications through the Watch Duty app or view the CAL FIRE incident page HERE.

Preserve Air Quality: Monitor the Air Quality Index on The Preserve in real time HERE.

Monterey County Emergency Information: Additional emergency information and resources are available HERE.

Emergency Homeowners Guide: A PDF copy of the Preserve Emergency Homeowners Guide is available HERE.

Preserve Emergency Services will continue to closely monitor the Timber Fire and communicate significant changes affecting our community. There are currently no Evacuation Warnings or Evacuation Orders affecting The Preserve. The additional planning and preparedness taking place now is intended to keep us ahead of changing conditions and ensure that our residents, staff, and responding agencies are as prepared as possible.

– Kevin Kamnikar

Director of Emergency Preparedness
kkamnikar@santaluciapreserve.com

Preserve Evacuation Zones

For reference, Preserve property falls within the following Monterey County evacuation zones:

MRY-D023, MRY-D034, MRY-D042, MRY-D043, MRY-D058, and MRY-D075

The evacuation zone map is provided below for reference.

  

 

IN THE EVENT OF AN EVACUATION

Evacuation Warning – typically given a minimum of 48 hours in advance. This warning allows you time to make preparations for the care and security of valuables and your property in general.  If you have special needs that require advanced preparation, this is the time to prepare to leave the property.

You may check your specific address on Monterey County’s website for the Timber Fire Evacuation Zones HERE.

 

Important Links

Monterey County Offices of Emergency Services