Residents in a rural area east of Santa Rosa were told to leave immediately Monday afternoon after the Ledson Fire erupted in mountainous terrain near the city’s eastern edge.
The fire started about 1 p.m. near Pythian Road at the northern end of Sonoma Valley, on the western flank of the Mayacamas Mountains that separate Sonoma and Napa counties. Cal Fire last estimated the blaze at about 13 acres with a moderate rate of spread.
Evacuation zone and immediate concerns
An evacuation order was issued for Emergency Zone SON-3H1, which covers Southern Alpine Valley. That zone includes South Timberland Drive, the area east of Los Alamos Road, west of the Napa County line, and Hood Mountain Regional Park.
Officials told residents in the ordered area to leave immediately. While smoke may be visible in Santa Rosa, authorities said the city is not under threat and no evacuation orders are in place there.
| Fire Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Ledson Fire |
| Location | Near Pythian Road, east of Santa Rosa |
| Estimated Size | About 13 acres |
| Spread | Moderate rate of spread, moving uphill |
| Evacuation Order | SON-3H1, Southern Alpine Valley |
Why crews are concerned about the terrain
The blaze is slope-driven and burning in the footprint of two major previous fires, the 2017 Nuns Fire and the 2020 Glass Fire. Resources were quickly on scene, and more air and ground support were on the way, according to Cal Fire spokesperson Jason Clay.
Hot and dry weather is adding pressure, with temperatures in the low 90s and light winds helping shape the fire’s behavior. Cal Fire said the fire was moving uphill to the east amid light winds, while the National Weather Service said a heat advisory is expected to begin Tuesday morning.
National Weather Service Meteorologist Brian Garcia said low, variable winds of 4 to 5 miles per hour, with gusts up to 8 miles per hour, should help firefighting efforts. Overnight temperatures are expected to stay higher than average because monsoon moisture is flattening the temperature curve, the weather service said.
Smoke from the fire was visible as far west as Sebastopol, but officials said the situation remains focused on the rural area east of Santa Rosa. The Ledson Fire remains a developing incident as crews continue working the slope-driven fire.