Coffey Park Rises from Ashes: Santa Rosa Neighborhood Rebuilds After Devastating Wildfire

In October 2025, the Coffey Park neighborhood in Santa Rosa, California, is hardly recognizable compared to eight years ago. Back in 2017, the area was burned to ashes by the unrelenting Tubbs Fire, but the community has since undergone a remarkable rebuilding effort.

Resident Emil Lyon vividly remembers the terror of that fateful night when a young man pounded on his door, urging him to evacuate. While Lyon's old red truck miraculously survived, his home was destroyed. He was displaced for nearly two years before his house was eventually rebuilt.

Today, Coffey Park boasts a 96-97% rebuild rate, with only a few vacant lots remaining. However, the neighboring Fountain Grove area still has a significant amount of construction underway. Residents have grown accustomed to the constant rebuilding, with one homeowner expressing gratitude that his home will soon be completed.

The city's fire department has also taken steps to bolster its resilience. After the Tubbs Fire, which burned over 36,000 acres, destroyed 5,600 structures, and claimed 22 lives, Santa Rosa has added a new engine company and increased staffing, thanks to the passage of a county ballot measure. Fire officials say certain areas have been cleared of dangerous tree canopies, though invasive vegetation remains a concern.

As the community continues to rebuild, residents like Emil Lyon have settled into their familiar yet new neighborhood. Despite the challenges, the people of Santa Rosa have shown remarkable resilience, adapting and pressing forward to create a more fire-resistant future.