HEALDSBURG — Francisco López, co-owner of Aldina Vineyards, is no stranger to the devastating effects of wildfires.
As the Point Fire burns more than 1,000 acres near Lake Sonoma, he feels a sense of déjà vu.
“For us it’s certainly quite traumatic in the sense that we were unfortunately a victim of fire in 2017. My family lost their home for 20 years to the Tubbs Fire. It’s a traumatic experience when you have that smell in the air : the fire,” shared López.
López has been closely monitoring the news as the fire spreads just minutes away from his vineyard near the southeastern region of Lake Sonoma.
“That first time none of us were prepared, especially in 2017. And I think now, when we first knew there was a fire, we had to make sure the cars had gas and everything was ready just in case we have to evacuate,” he said.
The fire’s rapid progression has already led to evacuations across the region. Hundreds of people have been evacuated from the Dry Creek Valley, with an additional evacuation warning affecting more than 4,000 residents north of Mill Creek Road. An evacuation center has been set up at Laguna High School in Forestville. The situation also has consequences for López’s activities.
“I don’t think there are many things happening in Healdsburg today, but there are some people here in town, and we will do our best to take care of those people,” López noted.
He is also following emergency recommendations shared by Sonoma County and local organizations such as United Way of Wine Country. Lisa Carreño, executive director of United Way of Wine Country, emphasized the importance of the 211 emergency line.
“Ninety-four people have contacted 211 in the last 24 hours, which is unusually high for our 211 activity. From what I understand from our call center and 211 director, most calls are coming from this region. They are the people who are in the evacuation warning zone,” Carreño explained.
For López, it is a time to remain vigilant, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.
“We’re trying to be mindful of so many of us who have already lost homes and the wineries that are closed,” he said.
Francisco López wants to stay on top of this emergency while helping those in need during this critical moment.
