Bohemian Grove fire burns timber

A fire burned a large spot of timber Monday afternoon in the Bohemian Grove in Monte Rio, according to fire officials.

Several Russian River-area fire departments were dispatched to the blaze, reported at about 2:15 p.m. Bohemian Grove firefighters arrived first, and the small blaze was quickly knocked down, Monte Rio Fire Chief Steve Baxman said.

Cal Fire was investigating the cause. It could have involved logging operations in the area, Baxman said.

The fire was on a ridge above the end of Neeley Road, which winds along the Russian River and up into the redwood-studded hills over Monte Rio.

The Bohemian Grove is home to the Bohemian Club’s annual summertime, male-only encampment for the rich and powerful.

You can reach Staff Writer Randi Rossmann at 707-521-5412 or randi.rossmann@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @rossmannreport.