Fire at Sonoma Creek encampment closes Ig Vella Bridge

A Tuesday afternoon fire broke out beneath a well-traveled bridge linking Sonoma with the El Verano community, leading to the road's temporary closure.|

A fire broke out under the Ig Vella Bridge, which spans Sonoma Creek at the intersection of Sonoma Highway and West Napa, mid-afternoon on Tuesday, leading to the closure of Riverside Drive into El Verano for several hours that afternoon.

Initial reports from the Sonoma Sheriff’s Office indicated it started at a homeless encampment beneath the bridge. Rubble, including bicycle parts and a barbecue grill, was found at the location, along with miscellaneous personal items.

No suspects were apprehended, and no injuries were reported.

Sonoma Valley Fire and Rescue and other agencies responded to reports of the fire at about 3 p.m. By 4:30 it had been had been extinguished, according to a police communications update. But the bridge remained closed until a road crew from the county Department of Transportation and Public Works could evaluate the bridge’s integrity.

The bridge was reopened for traffic at 7 p.m.

The bridge, also known as Riverside Bridge, was named for Ignazio Vella, one of the founders of Sonoma’s artisan cheese culture. It serves as access from Sonoma to Arnold Drive and the community of El Verano. Once it crosses Sonoma Creek – the dividing line between the City of Sonoma and the county – West Napa Road is known as Riverside Drive.

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