Woodside Fire Forces Evacuations and Highway Closure in Sonoma County!

A fast-moving wildfire known as the Woodside Fire has prompted evacuations and a highway closure in Sonoma County after igniting on the evening of July 30 near Highway 1 in Timber Cove. By July 31 the blaze had grown to 142 acres with 20 percent containment as CAL FIRE deployed air tankers, helicopters, and ground crews to battle challenging conditions. Strong winds of 25 to 35 mph complicated efforts and contributed to the fire’s rapid spread. Evacuation orders remain in effect for Salt Point State Park and Zone 1D1, while warnings cover Zone 1D2.

Sonoma County has opened a temporary evacuation shelter at El Molino High School in Forestville to assist those forced from their homes and the park. Smoke from the fire drifted southeast, triggering air quality alerts across Sonoma and Marin counties and extending as far as Sacramento. Meteorologist Daniel Swain noted the fire’s unusual behavior, including embers spotting over ocean coves, which added to the difficulty of containment. Highway 1 has been closed in the affected stretch to protect public safety and allow firefighting operations to continue.

Firefighters continue working aggressively to gain the upper hand on the wind-driven blaze. Officials urge residents in the warned zones to stay prepared and monitor official updates closely. The coordinated response involving air and ground resources demonstrates the commitment of CAL FIRE and local agencies to protecting lives and property along the Sonoma Coast. As containment efforts progress, the priority remains ensuring the safety of evacuated residents and containing the fire before it can expand further under the influence of strong coastal winds.