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Sonoma Coast Ablaze: Highway 1 Shut Down, Evacuations Ordered
Woodside Fire Erupts on Sonoma Coast: What You Need to Know
Location: Sonoma Coast, north of Timber Cove, California
Date: Thursday, July 30, 2026
Time Reported: Afternoon (grew to 50 acres by 4 p.m.)
What Happened?
A wildfire named the Woodside Fire broke out on the Sonoma Coast north of Timber Cove on Thursday afternoon. By 4 p.m., it had burned about 50 acres (that’s roughly 38 football fields!) of coastal prairie and forest on the west side of Highway 1, near the entrance to Woodside Campground at Salt Point State Park.
Campgrounds Evacuated
Two campgrounds inside Salt Point State Park were evacuated immediately:
- Woodside Campground
- Gerstle Cove Campground
Everyone at these campgrounds has been moved to safety.
Evacuation Orders & Warnings
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office issued two types of alerts. Here’s the difference:
| Alert Type | What It Means | Areas Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Evacuation ORDER | Leave NOW – danger is imminent | SON-1D1: Between Fort Ross and the northern end of Salt Point State Road near the coast, including Walsh Landing, Seaview, and Stump Beach |
| Evacuation WARNING | Be ready to leave – danger may come soon | SON-1D2: Further inland, including Table Mountain, Toners Place, and Goat Rock |
Fire Behavior & Firefighter Efforts
- The fire is moving south through heavy timber (dense trees).
- Winds from the north are pushing it forward.
- Firefighters are working hard to stop the fire from crossing Highway 1 into the heavily forested hills to the east.
- Air support is active: several airtankers (planes that drop fire retardant) and helicopters (which drop water) are helping.
- Ground crews are also on the scene.
Key Goal: Keep the fire west of Highway 1.
Highway 1 Closed
- A stretch of Highway 1 through the fire area is closed.
- This highway is the main road for this lightly populated coastal region.
- Traffic is being redirected — avoid the area if possible.
Nearby Areas: What We Know
| Location | Status |
|---|---|
| Ocean Cove Lodge (just south of Salt Point State Park) | Smoke visible, but no official evacuation advisory yet (as of 4 p.m.) |
| Timber Cove (further south) | Authorities are tentatively considering evacuation orders or warnings |
This is a developing situation. Residents and visitors in Timber Cove should stay alert and ready to act.
What It Looks Like
- Fire lookout cameras show a heavy plume of smoke rising over the coastal bluff and ridge.
- A photo from Kent Porter / The Press Democrat captures the fire burning near the coast.
What Firefighters Are Doing (Step-by-Step)
- Attack from the air – Airtankers drop retardant to slow the fire’s spread.
- Helicopters bucket water – Target hot spots and protect structures.
- Ground crews build lines – Firefighters dig trenches and clear vegetation to create barriers.
- Defend Highway 1 – Priority is stopping the fire from jumping the road into the eastern hills.
- Monitor wind & weather – Adjust strategy as conditions change.
- Coordinate evacuations – Work with Sheriff’s Office to keep people safe.
Important Points to Remember
CALL OUT: STAY INFORMED & STAY SAFE
- Evacuation ORDER = GO NOW. Don’t wait.
- Evacuation WARNING = GET READY. Pack essentials, fill your gas tank, know your exit routes.
- Highway 1 is CLOSED. Use alternate routes or stay put if you’re safe.
- Smoke = poor air quality. Limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed.
- Check official sources (Sonoma County Sheriff, CAL FIRE, WatchDuty app) for real-time updates.
- This story is developing. Conditions can change fast.
Summary
- The Woodside Fire started Thursday afternoon on the Sonoma Coast.
- It’s 50 acres and growing, burning in coastal prairie and forest near Salt Point State Park.
- Two campgrounds evacuated; evacuation ORDER for coastal zones (SON-1D1), WARNING for inland zones (SON-1D2).
- Highway 1 closed — main corridor impacted.
- Air and ground crews actively fighting the fire, focused on keeping it west of Highway 1.
- Timber Cove may face evacuations soon.
- Stay tuned — this is a fast-moving incident.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. What’s the difference between an Evacuation Order and an Evacuation Warning?
An Order means leave immediately — your life is in danger. A Warning means prepare to leave — danger is close but not yet at your door. Think of it like a tornado warning (get ready) vs. a watch (take cover now).
2. Can I still visit Salt Point State Park?
No. Woodside and Gerstle Cove campgrounds are evacuated, and Highway 1 is closed. The park is not safe for visitors right now.
3. I live in Timber Cove. Should I evacuate now?
Not yet — but get ready. Authorities are considering orders. Pack a "go bag" (meds, documents, clothes, pet supplies), fill your gas tank, and monitor official alerts.
4. How can I track the fire in real time?
Use the WatchDuty app (mentioned in the report), follow Sonoma County Sheriff and CAL FIRE on social media, or check local news like The Press Democrat.
5. Why is Highway 1 so important here?
It’s the only major road along this stretch of coast. If the fire crosses it, it could reach more populated, heavily forested areas — making it much harder to control.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Stay safe, stay informed, and listen to local authorities.
