The Arden Fire in Lucerne has burned 26 acres and is 90% contained as of this morning’s update from Cal Fire. All evacuation warnings were lifted Sunday morning, and about 50 firefighters were still on scene to mop up hot spots and strengthen containment lines. The blaze that reportedly started Saturday afternoon near Arden and Foothill drives destroyed two outbuildings and briefly crossed Highway 20, sparking three small spot fires that were quickly contained. Crews are still assessing damage, and officials say a formal inspection will be completed soon.
The Pond Fire along Redwood Highway north of Laytonville, has burned just over 25 acres and is now 85% contained, as of this morning’s update from Cal Fire. At its peak, 181 firefighters battled the flames with air tankers and ground crews; about 92 personnel remain on scene to mop up and secure containment lines. The fire, first reported on August 6th, grew quickly. No cause has been determined, and Cal Fire is urging caution for residents in the area as suppression work continues.
Immigration advocates in Sonoma County are on Day Seven of a hunger strike, calling for a sanctuary ordinance to protect the immigrant community from ICE raids. Ten protesters have been camping outside the Board of Supervisors offices since last Tuesday, urging county leaders to act and ease community fears. The group says they’ll be at tomorrow’s board meeting in full force to press their demands.
A hairless English-French bulldog mix named Petunia is this year’s “World’s Ugliest Dog.” The title was awarded Friday at the Sonoma County Fair, earning owner Shannon Nyman a $5,000 prize. The quirky contest has been a fair tradition for nearly 50 years.
