Highway 1 and Big Sur businesses reopen, but Timber fire still burns
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- Highway 1 through Big Sur has fully reopened to travelers after a 12-day wildfire closure, even as crews continue battling the sprawling Timber fire in steep coastal terrain.
- Many cliffside businesses such as Nepenthe are welcoming visitors again. Luxury resorts Alila Ventana and Post Ranch Inn are planning reopenings amid fire uncertainty.
- Despite the reopening, Timber fire containment remains at about one-fourth, helicopter water drops continue, and popular state parks near Big Sur’s rugged coastline stay closed.
As Highway 1 and many businesses in Big Sur reopen to travelers after a 12-day closure, firefighters continue to battle the Timber fire as it persists in canyons to the north and east of the famous coast road.
Caltrans workers reopened the highway Saturday afternoon as public safety workers continue to make road improvements, Cal Fire said.
The fire started Aug. 8 in Los Padres National Forest southeast of the Loma Vista neighborhood, the cause still under investigation. It quickly scorched 400 acres, prompting evacuation orders, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. As of Sunday morning, it covered more than 9,665 acres, Cal Fire said, estimating 25% containment.
Cal Fire’s update also warned that low overnight humidity had allowed the fire to gain strength along its north and northeastern edges. Warm and dry conditions are expected to continue today with variable winds.
Many of the area’s most popular hiking and camping areas, including Andrew Molera State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, remain closed as of Sunday, a California State Parks update said.
A wildfire in Big Sur has burned 2,000 acres, spurred evacuations that encompass the Nepenthe restaurant and the Alila Ventana resort, and closed state parks in the area.
Many of the businesses affected by the fire and road closure have a long history in the region.
Nepenthe, a restaurant known for its legendary clifftop views, has been in operation since 1949 and features a log cabin that is more than a century old. The Alila Ventana Big Sur resort is 51 years old, while the Post Ranch Inn sits on the former homestead of the Post pioneer family who settled in the region in the 1860s.
“We are absolutely stoked to be reopened and welcoming everyone onto the terrace” overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Nepenthe hostess Faith Sassepp said on a phone call as a helicopter roared in the background. The compound’s Phoenix shop also opened Saturday, with Cafe Kevah due to reopen Monday.
The nearby Henry Miller Memorial Library reopened Saturday, as did Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn, a lodging and restaurant that goes back to the 1930s.
Alila Ventana resort remains closed, a representative said Sunday, citing a goal of reopening by Aug. 30. The Post Ranch Inn is set to reopen on Wednesday and was “under no imminent threat,” the hotel said on Instagram.
Firefighters continue a battle against the blaze that includes use of helicopter water drops and retardant, Cal Fire said.
Times staff writer Christopher Reynolds contributed to this report.
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