Woodside Fire burns on Sonoma Coast, closing stretch of Highway 1, forcing residents, campers to evacuate

Key Points:

• A wildfire named the Woodside Fire broke out Thursday on the Sonoma Coast near Salt Point State Park, rapidly spreading to 75 acres and prompting evacuations of hundreds of residents and campground guests in Timber Cove and surrounding areas.
• Highway 1 was closed between Stewarts Point and Timber Cove due to the fire, which crossed the highway and expanded south to Stillwater Cove Regional Park, though no injuries or structural damages were reported.
• Firefighting efforts involved 320 personnel, including ground crews and specialized Fire Hawk helicopters for nighttime operations, with containment at 20% by evening; winds initially fueled the fire but eased later, improving visibility for firefighters.
• Heavy smoke from the wildfire affected air quality across Sonoma and Marin counties, leading to health advisories urging residents to stay indoors and avoid opening windows until conditions improve.
• Authorities established an evacuation center at Laguna High School in Forestville, and the fire's origin near Gerstle Cove Campground is under investigation, with officials urging the public not to overwhelm emergency lines by reporting smoke.