Multiple wildfires are burning across California, with several rapidly expanding while remaining only minimally contained, a sign that fire season is intensifying across the Golden State.
Among the largest active incidents is the Timber Fire in Big Sur, which started just days ago and quickly grew, prompting evacuation orders. The Bug Fire, which started in California, has spread across the Nevada border and is now most active there. Meanwhile, the MP18 Fire in Humboldt County continues to burn along Highway 96 after igniting early Friday.
Here's what to know about three wildfires burning across California today.
Timber Fire in Monterey County
As of 7 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, the Timber Fire in Big Sur had scorched 2,000 acres and was 5% contained, according to a CAL FIRE status
report.
The wildfire began "in a remote location with difficult access" at about 9:38 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8, burning about 100 acres, the Los Padres National Forest said in a Facebook post.
Evacuation orders were issued Sunday as the fire grew to 400 acres, CAL FIRE's updates show. The orders were expanded Monday as the fire more than doubled in size.
"Big Sur and its residents are no stranger to fire," Big Sur Fire Chief Matt Harris said in a Monday, Aug. 10, statement on Facebook. "We have faced many over the years and have always been strong and resilient as a community to overcome the challenges associated with them."
Among those evacuated was the Esalen Institute— a holistic retreat center — according to the retreat's chairman, Dave Morin.
"Pray for Big Sur and the Timber Fire. It appears to be doubling every 6 hours," Morin wrote in a post on X. "We are evacuating @Esalen and are closed until the fire is contained."
The California Highway Patrol on Monday announced the closure of Highway 1 (aside from residents) at Point Sur Lighthouse and Vista Point — near Mile Marker 37.5. The highway has since been reopened.
No injuries have been reported, according to CAL FIRE. There are currently 259 structures threatened by the fire.
Evacuation orders are in place for the following zones: MRY-F025, MRY-F026, MRY-F027, and MRY-F028-A.
Evacuation warnings have been issued for the areas of MRY-FO23, MRY-F024, and MRY-F028-B.
An emergency shelter has been set up at Carmel Middle School for those displaced by the fire.
Bug Fire in Sierra and Lassen counties
The Bug Fire started in Lassen County shortly after 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, and quickly spread into Sierra County and Washoe County, Nevada, according to CAL FIRE.
The fire, which has burned 44,304 acres, stood at 3% containment the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 11. The fire is primarily active in Nevada, north of Reno and Cold Springs.
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency Monday for communities impacted by both the Bug Fire and the separate Fred Mountain Fire burning about 9 miles north of Lemmon Valley.
"We are taking every available step to support local responders, protect lives and property, and provide resources where they are needed most," Lombardo said in a post on X.
There are no evacuation warnings or orders for California counties as of Tuesday morning.
Evacuation warnings and orders are in place for Washoe County, Nevada. For the most current evacuation information, visit perimetermap.com.
No injuries have been reported, according to CAL FIRE.
MP18 Fire in Humboldt County
MP18 Fire, which started Friday, Aug. 7, along Highway 96 at Norton Creek, has burned 1,563 acres and stands at 10% containment, according to a CAL FIRE status report.
Highway 96 between Weitchpec and Hoopa is closed, CAL FIRE's report shows.
There are no evacuation orders in place, but evacuation warnings have been issued for the following zones: HIA-E002A, HIA-E003, HIA-E004, HIA-E006, and HIA-E014-C.
There have been injuries reported in relation to the fire, according to CAL FIRE, which reports the cause of the fire is under investigation.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 3 wildfires burning across California today. What to know
