Wildfire near Salt Point State Park in Sonoma County 30% contained; evacuations in effect
By Richard Ramos
Firefighters on Friday continued to battle a wildfire along the Sonoma County coast that has prompted evacuations at Salt Point State Park.
The fire, dubbed the Woodside Fire, was first reported shortly after 1:40 p.m. Thursday. According, to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) said the fire is burning along Highway 1 near Timber Cove.
As of about 6:40 a.m. Friday, the fire has burned 143 acres and is 30% contained.
Evacuation orders have been issued for Salt Point State Park and Timber Cove, including north of Fort Ross Road, south of Kruse Ranch and Hauser Bridge roads, east of the coastline and west of the Gualala River’s south fork. Mandatory evacuations were also in place for Steelwater Cove Regional Park and the Ocean Cove Private Camp.
An evacuation warning was issued northwest of Cazadero, including north of Fort Ross Road, south and west of Kind Ridge Road, and east of the Gualala River’s south fork.
Additionally, Highway 1 between Timber Cove Road and Stewarts Point-Skaggs Springs Road has been shut down.
The fire is burning through heavy timber, and no structures are currently threatened, officials said.
The Bay Area Air District said smoke from the Woodside Fire may impact air quality in Sonoma and Marin counties. As a result, Sonoma County health officials issued a health advisory.
“Areas of Sonoma County may experience ‘unhealthy’ or ‘very unhealthy’ air quality caused by the wildfire event along the coast near Timber Cove and Salt Point State Park. People may experience adverse health effects from the smoke over Sonoma County and across the region. Below are some things you can do when the air quality is poor,” Sonoma County Public Health said.
The Air District has also issued a Spare the Air Alert in the region through Saturday due to potential smoke. During a Spare the Air Alert, use of all wood-burning devices is prohibited.
The cause of the wildfire is under investigation.
