The Pickett Fire in Napa County continues to burn, stretching over 6,803 acres of land, and is 11% contained, as reported by CAL FIRE this morning. Mandatory evacuation orders persist, affecting zones POP-E001-A through NAP-E108-A, while evacuation warnings cover areas from ANG-E001 to POP-E002-B, signaling a potential threat to life and property. Crews managed to hold the blaze within contingency lines overnight despite challenging conditions and received considerable help from three night-flying helicopters and drone operations that provided critical reconnaissance.
Meanwhile, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District has extended its air quality advisory until tomorrow, with the Pickett Fire's smoke expected to impact Napa, Solano, and Sonoma counties. They caution residents about fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants in the smoke, and the smell of smoke is possible. Smoky skies may be visible, and residents can find real-time smoke pollution levels at the U.S. EPA’s Fire and Smoke Map. Those particularly susceptible, including elderly individuals, children, and people with respiratory illnesses, should avoid exposure by staying indoors or visiting places with filtered air, per the Air District's warning.
The fight against the wildfire saw a glimmer of hope as favorable weather, including cooler temperatures, aided firefighters in their efforts. According to an interview, Michael Hogan, a longtime resident of Angwin, remains cautiously optimistic despite the looming threat of evacuation under which he has lived repeatedly over the years, as he conveyed to CBS News Bay Area. The community of Angwin and nearby Aetna Springs remain vigilant as firebreaks are cut to prevent the approaching blaze.
Cal Fire firefighter Hernan Rodriguez acknowledges the advantage of prevailing winds, which are helping to steer the flames back into areas previously charred by the Glass Fire, as the Pickett Fire burns through an old scar left behind by a past conflagration, Rodriguez told CBS News. No homes have been damaged so far. Cal Fire continues to coordinate a heavy response, with air tankers and helicopters providing crucial support, dropping water and retardant over the difficult terrain.
