Full Breakdown
Woodside Fire Ravages Sonoma Coast, Prompting Evacuations and Highway 1 Closure
8/1/2026, 1:07:27 AM
Fire Ignition and Immediate Threat
On July 30, 2026, a wildfire ignited near the entrance to Woodside Campground in Salt Point State Park, Sonoma County. The blaze was reported shortly after 1:40 p.m., and northwest winds of 10-15 mph with gusts to 25 mph pushed the fire southeast along the coastal forest. By late afternoon it had spread to about 75 acres, according to Cal Fire’s initial mapping, and was moving toward the ocean on the west side of Highway 1.
Evacuations and Highway Closure
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office issued a mandatory evacuation for zone SON-1D1, covering Timber Cove, Walsh Landing, Seaview, Stump Beach and nearby residences (?350 households). A secondary warning (zone SON-1D2) covered inland areas including Table Mountain and Goat Rock (?265 households). Campgrounds in Salt Point State Park—Woodside, Gerstle Cove and Ocean Cove—were cleared. Highway 1 between Timber Cove Road and Stewarts Point-Skaggs Springs Road was shut, and a temporary shelter was set up at Laguna High School in Forestville.
Fire Growth, Containment and Suppression Resources
Cal Fire had roughly 320 personnel on the scene by sundown on July 30, including ground crews, Fire Hawk helicopters and air tankers. By the next morning the fire had expanded to 143 acres and was 30 percent contained. Incident commander Marshall Tuberville said overnight conditions allowed crews to stall forward spread and that reopening Highway 1 was expected within one to two days.
Air Quality Impacts Across the Bay Area
Smoke blanketed the North Bay, prompting air-quality advisories urging residents to stay indoors with windows closed. The EPA’s Fire and Smoke Map showed pollutant concentrations ranging from “very unhealthy” to “hazardous” in western Sonoma County. Monitoring stations along the Russian River recorded particulate levels between 200 and 700 µg/m³, above the EPA’s hazardous threshold of 300 µg/m³. The Bay Area Air District warned that conditions could change rapidly and emphasized protection for sensitive populations.
Official Responses
- Cal Fire: Spokesman Tyree Zander noted that winds died down Thursday night, improving visibility for crews, and said the fire’s cause remains under investigation.
- Marshall Tuberville, incident commander, projected continued progress and a potential reopening of Highway 1 within the next one to two days.
- Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office coordinated evacuations and asked the public to refrain from calling 911 for smoke reports.
- Bay Area Air District issued health-protective advisories, recommending residents limit outdoor activity and keep indoor environments sealed.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The Press Democrat listed the fire at 75 acres with 20 percent containment on July 30.
- CBS News reported 143 acres and 30 percent containment as of 9:15 a.m. Friday.
- KQED cited a 140-acre fire at 30 percent containment on Friday morning.
These differences reflect rapid changes in fire behavior and reporting times. No information has been released regarding the ignition source; investigations are ongoing.
Outlook
Cal Fire will continue aerial and ground suppression through the weekend, aiming to fully contain the fire and reopen Highway 1. Air-quality monitors will remain active to track smoke dispersion across the Bay Area.
