Woodside Fire Forces Evacuations, Closes Highway 1 as Crews Battle Blaze on Sonoma Coast
July 31, 2026
The Woodside Fire broke out on the Sonoma Coast near Timber Cove, triggering Highway 1 closures and multiple evacuation orders.
Evacuations are in effect for zones including Salt Point State Park, Timber Cove, and areas north of Fort Ross Road, with a temporary evacuation shelter opened at Laguna High School in Forestville.
As of Thursday, the fire has burned about 143 acres and is reported to be 30% contained after overnight progress.
Firefighting crews plan to continue operations through the weekend to boost containment and monitor broader smoke impact on regional air quality.
There have been no reported injuries as of early Friday, and residents are urged to stay clear of the area to aid firefighting efforts.
There have been no injuries reported; air quality is expected to be unhealthy in the North Bay due to smoke, and Spare the Air alerts are in effect.
The Spare the Air alert covers unhealthy air in parts of the North Bay, with guidance on penalties and exemptions for wood burning and where to check alert status.
Public guidance asks residents to avoid calling 911 to report smoke in areas not impacted by the wildfire to prevent tying up resources.
Residents in evacuation zones and those under warnings should prepare go bags and stay tuned for updates as conditions can shift with weather and winds.
North winds at 10-15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph are fueling spread, with similar conditions expected into Friday and the weekend amid a heat wave.
A Spare the Air alert for the Bay Area due to smoke will extend through Saturday.
Cal Fire has mobilized with extensive resources including 320 firefighters, 31 engines, air support, water tenders, hand crews, and helicopters to contain the fire.
Summary based on 10 sources
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Sources

California Post • Jul 31, 2026
Wine country 'Woodside Fire' torches landscape and forces evacuations
ABC7 Bay Area • Jul 31, 2026
Sonoma County brush fire triggers evacuations, closes part of Highway 1: CAL FIRE
CBS San Francisco • Jul 31, 2026
Wildfire near Salt Point State Park in Sonoma County forces evacuations
Rolling Out • Jul 31, 2026
Sonoma County wildfire shuts down stretch of Highway 1