A forest fire broke out on Thursday afternoon (July 30) along the Sonoma County coastline in the San Francisco Bay Area, rapidly spreading due to strong winds. This resulted in the evacuation of multiple communities and parks, with sections of Highway 1 also being closed. Thick smoke spread along the Russian River Valley, prompting Sonoma and Marin counties to issue air quality warnings.
The wildfire, named the “Woodside Fire,” ignited near 24000 Highway 1 in Timber Cove at 1:43 p.m. The fire initially covered about 3 acres, but quickly expanded to 15 acres, 50 acres, and was estimated to have reached 100 acres at one point. As of 5:43 p.m., the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection adjusted the fire area to approximately 75 acres. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Located north of Jenner and south of Salt Point State Park, the fire site is surrounded by dense forests, including vast redwood groves. Fire officials reported spotting embers being carried by the wind, igniting new fires in the vicinity. With gusts reaching speeds of up to about 35 miles per hour, the strong winds continued to hinder firefighting efforts.
Firefighters are working to contain the blaze from both air and ground. By evening, the scene was manned by 85 personnel, 3 helicopters, 13 fire engines, 5 bulldozers, 5 water tenders, and 8 firefighting crews. Multiple firefighting aircraft from various parts of California were also conducting aerial firefighting missions when conditions permitted.
Authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders for the SON-1D1 area, encompassing the region north of Fort Ross Road to the south of Kruse Ranch Road, and east of the coastline and west of the South Fork Gualala River.
Salt Point State Park, Stillwater Cove Regional Park, Ocean Cove Private Camp, and the Timber Cove residential area have all been instructed to evacuate immediately. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection stated that the evacuation orders indicate an immediate threat to life, requiring people to leave promptly while also prohibiting public access to the affected areas.
Residents of the SON-1D2 area have received evacuation warnings mainly in the northwest part of Cazadero, including the areas north of Fort Ross Road, south and west of King Ridge Road, and east of the South Fork Gualala River. Individuals needing more time to evacuate and residents with pets or livestock are urged to leave in advance.
Due to the fire, the segment of Highway 1 between Timber Cove Road and Stewarts Point–Skaggs Springs Road has been closed. Residents are urged to evacuate using accessible roads, follow rescue personnel instructions, and remind neighbors when it is safe to do so.
The dense smoke continued to spread outward, affecting areas as far as Guerneville, Sebastopol, and Bodega Bay, where air quality reached unhealthy and even hazardous levels. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued warnings to Sonoma and Marin counties, advising residents to expect smoky conditions, smell smoke, and anticipate deteriorating air quality.
As of now, there have been no reports of injuries or damaged buildings. The Sheriff’s Office reminds the public not to call 911 merely upon sighting or smelling thick smoke to prevent overloading the emergency reporting system. Those needing assistance evacuating pets or small animals can call 707-861-0699; for assistance with evacuating livestock and large animals, the contact number is 707-234-7193.