The Pickett Fire in Napa County continues to prove challenging for firefighters as it has nearly doubled in size, now engulfing over 2,100 acres near Calistoga. CBS San Francisco reports the wildfire remains 0% contained, with fire activity expected to ramp up again as the day heats up and humidity levels drop, according to Cal Fire’s Division Chief Ryan Isham.
Despite the cooler evening temperatures aiding firefighting efforts, Isham has stated that conditions will see a marked change as the inversion layer lifts, temperatures rise making for increased fire activity around the fire's edges; meanwhile, a total of 435 personnel are assigned to tackle the blaze which includes 75 engines, 15 dozers, and a combination of water tenders, air tankers, and helicopters. CAL FIRE's incident page highlights that overnight efforts saw three helicopters making water drops while fire crews and dozers labored to fortify access and contingency lines.
Evacuation orders are in effect for areas identified as zones NPA-E114, NPA-E115, NPA-E120, and NPA-E121-B, posing an immediate threat to life, and residents in these locations have been lawfully directed to leave now. Additional evacuation warnings have been issued for zones NPA-E107, NPA-E121-A, NPA-E122, POP-E001-B, POP-E002-B, and ANG-E001, signaling a potential threat to life and/or property, with the suggestion that those needing extra time or with animals should vacate the premises in advance.
Moreover, the blaze's impact extends beyond flames as air quality concerns arise, prompting the Bay Area Air District to issue an advisory for Napa, Solano, and Sonoma counties with smoke potentially affecting the region's air quality for Friday and Saturday. Residents are therefore urged to stay indoors or seek out places with filtered air, and to consult fire.airnow.gov for the latest air quality levels, while the fire's cause remains under investigation, per CBS San Francisco.
