Walbridge Updates: 7PM Friday

The Walbridge Fire advanced slowly to the south along the ridge above Rio Nido, Mirabel and Hacienda. This prompted evacuation orders for two additional zones to the southeast of the fire including Forestville. The prevailing winds were from the NW or WNW, kicking up in the afternoon. 3 water drop helicopters worked through the early afternoon dropping water on the ridge to douse flare ups. By late in the afternoon smoke from ground movement of the fire was visible along ridgetops about 2-3 miles north of Guerneville. The fire movement was slow or moderate.

EASTERN EDGE

The fire grew to the east and northeast along the northern edge in the area from Big Ridge and Chemise Road northward to Lake Sonoma. A wave of aircraft dropped retardant on the advancing edge of the fire in the Chemise Road area and locations north throughout the day. This included 3 VLAT very large air tankers including a DC-10 supertanker that made circuits to Sacramento to reload. In the middle part of the eastern edge along roads like Mill Creek, the fire moved slowly down toward the east, and structure protection was happening around the 4900 block of Mill Creek Road. Lobes of the fire burning at ground level were observed down to the 2600 block of Mill Creek. There was less movement here than further north.

FUTURE GROWTH

Cal Fire officials say they are most worried about an expected change in winds predicted for Saturday that will shift winds currently blowing from the West or NW to a more southernly direction, blowing from the SW to the NE. This could push the fire more directly toward the Dry Creek Valley and Westside Road, and cause the leading edge in the south to move toward the east impacing areas between Mt. Jackson and Westside Road.

FIRE WEATHER WATCH

A developing moisture plume similar to last week’s tropical moisture that set off lightning and sparked our wildfires is potentially setting up for late in the weekend. A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for the Bay Area and North Bay, and parts of the Central Coast and Inland Norcal beginning Sunday at 11AM through Tuesday at 11AM. The Watch may be replaced by a Red Flag Warning Saturday if conditions continue to develop. Former Hurrican Genevieve is forecast to have its remnant moisture entrained to the north, with possible convection and dry lightning during the Sunday Night-Monday and Monday Night-Tuesday time frames.