Residents in a rural area east of Santa Rosa have been told to leave immediately as a wildfire erupted in mountainous terrain east of city limits on Monday afternoon
The so-called Ledson Fire began about 1p.m. near Pythian Road, at the northern end of Sonoma Valley and on the western flank of the Maycacamas Mountains dividing Sonoma and Napa counties.
Cal Fire last estimated the fire at about 13 acres with a moderate rate of spread. It was moving uphill, to the east, amid light winds and temperatures in the low 90s.
The fire is slope-driven and burning in the footprint of two massive wildfires past fires — the 2017 Nuns Fire and 2020 Glass Fire.
Resources were quickly on scene, with more air and ground support on the way, according to Cal Fire spokesperson Jason Clay.
An evacuation order has been issued for Emergency Zone: SON-3H1 – Southern Alpine Valley. This area includes South Timberland Drive, east of Los Alamos Road, west of the Napa County line and Hood Mountain Regional Park. Authorities advised leaving immediately.
Though smoke may be visible within the city of Santa Rosa, officials said there is no threat to the city and no evacuation orders are in place. Smoke is visible as far west as Sebastopol.
The fire comes as temperatures in the region reached the low 90s and a heat advisory is expected to take effect beginning Tuesday morning, according to National Weather Service Meteorologist Brian Garcia.
Although weather conditions are hot and dry, Garcia said, low, variable wind conditions at speeds of 4 to 5 miles per hour with gusts up to 8 miles per hour conditions should help firefighting efforts.
Overnight temperatures are expected to stay higher than average due to monsoon moisture conditions flattening the temperature curve, the weather service said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
