Sonoma Ecology Center

The recent Ledson Fire and the Woodside Fire make it clear: this is shaping up to be a dangerous fire season.

We're grateful to CAL FIRE, local districts, mutual aid networks, volunteers, and groups like Sonoma Community Animal Response Team for their quick action protecting communities and evacuating people and animals. As of today, the Woodside Fire is nearly contained.

Both incidents reinforce the same truth: the broader pattern of longer, drier seasons and more volatile fire weather that we’ve seen over the past decade remains the new normal. A predicted moderate to extreme El Niño could intensify storms and create even more extreme conditions.

We delve deeper into what this reality means for ecological stewardship in Living With Fire in Sonoma Valley, a new series told through multiple lenses, exploring how a multi-benefit approach—from prescribed burns to habitat restoration—helps our landscapes and communities live with fire. Read the full story on The Ecology Blog—find the link in our bio.

Photos by @conorhagen