Petaluma shelters nearly full as strong winds expected

A red flag warning has been issued for Wednesday, meaning strong winds could unpredictably shift fires burning near Petaluma. Meanwhile, Petaluma area emergency shelters are almost at capacity and the Petaluma Fairground shelter is at capacity and not able to accept any more community members at this time, according to the Petaluma Police Department.

The Petaluma Police Department asked residents to sign up for alerts on the Nixle network. The service is free and residents can subscribe by texting their zip code to 888777.

The following Petaluma Shelters still have spaces available:

Petaluma Vets Building, 1094 Petaluma Blvd South (40 spaces)

Calvary Chapel, 1955 South McDowell Blvd. (40 spaces)

New Life Christian Chuch 1315 Rand Ave. (75-100 spaces)

Shelters are open and available in Marin County.

Evacuees in need of shelter may report to the Marin Center Exhibit Hall at 10 Avenue of the Flags in San Rafael. Small pets such as dogs and cats are welcome at the temporary shelter.

Marin Humane will provide emergency boarding options for all domestic animals (cats, dogs, etc.) at its main shelter located at 171 Bel Marin Keys Boulevard, Novato. Additional information can be found by calling 415-883-4621.

Sonoma County Red Cross is in need of volunteers to assist fire evacuees. Red Cross has exhausted their volunteer pool and many additional hands are now needed during this emergency. Anyone interested can call 707-573-3399 to volunteer or signup via their website.

Current fire conditions can be found here.