Sonoma Report
Firefighters increased containment of the Woodside Fire to 30% Friday as crews worked along the Sonoma County coast near Timber Cove, according to Cal Fire and reporting by NBC Bay Area. The fire had burned about 142 acres as of the latest update.
The blaze began at about 1:45 p.m. Thursday in the 24000 block of Highway 1 near Timber Cove. Favorable weather overnight helped crews reinforce containment, Cal Fire said. No injuries had been reported as of 7 a.m. Friday.
More than 30 fire engines, eight hand crews, a bulldozer, eight water tenders, a fall module and supervisory personnel were assigned to the incident Friday morning. Authorities asked people to stay away from the area so firefighters and other emergency crews could work safely.
Highway 1 remained closed between Timber Cove Road and Stewarts Point-Skaggs Springs Road. An evacuation order was still active for Zone SON-1D1, which includes Salt Point State Park, Timber Cove and surrounding areas. Orders also covered Stillwater Cove Regional Park, Ocean Cove Private Camp and the Timber Cove subdivision. Zone SON-1D2, northwest of Cazadero, remained under an evacuation warning.
A temporary evacuation shelter was open at Laguna High School, formerly El Molino High School, on Covey Road in Forestville. Sonoma CART was available to assist with pet evacuations, while NorCal Livestock Evac was identified as a resource for livestock.
The fire’s cause had not been confirmed.
Smoke from the fire prompted the Bay Area Air District to extend a Spare the Air alert through Saturday. NBC Bay Area reported that unhealthy air was affecting North Bay counties, particularly Sonoma County. Air District representative Tina Landis advised people in affected areas to remain indoors with windows and doors closed when possible. Those who must go outside were advised to wear a tight-fitting N95 mask.
Rohnert Park city officials said City Hall was closed Friday because of poor air quality, and the Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce postponed a family movie night, according to the report.
During a Spare the Air alert, indoor and outdoor wood burning is prohibited. First-time violators may choose a wood-smoke awareness course instead of a $100 fine; later violations carry higher fines. Gas, propane and electric fireplaces are permitted, and exemptions may be available for homes that rely exclusively on wood stoves or closed fireplaces for heat.
