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A fast-moving wildfire in California’s wine country has prompted mandatory evacuations as it threatens communities in Napa County. The Pickett Fire, which ignited on Thursday, has burned approximately 6,803 acres and is only 13% contained as of Monday, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire).
Firefighters are battling the blaze from both the ground and air, with over 1,200 personnel assigned to the incident. Efforts include the use of night-flying helicopters and air tankers to drop water and fire retardant on the flames. The fire has primarily been active on the eastern edge, near Aetna Springs Road, where it has threatened 615 structures. A successful firing operation was completed to eliminate unburned fuels and protect communities such as Aetna Springs and Pope Valley, CalFire reported.
Napa County has declared a local emergency to access additional resources and funding. The fire’s rapid spread is fueled by dry brush, grasses, and timber, with hot and dry weather conditions expected to persist, complicating containment efforts. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Evacuation orders remain in effect for several zones, including parts of Calistoga, Pope Valley, Aetna Springs, and Angwin. Some evacuation orders have been downgraded to warnings, allowing residents limited access to their homes. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has issued an air quality advisory due to smoke from the fire, affecting Napa, Sonoma, and Solano counties. Residents with health issues are advised to stay indoors and keep windows closed.
The Pickett Fire is burning in rugged terrain, similar to the 2020 Glass Fire area. Firefighters are leveraging past experiences to guide current suppression efforts. As the fire continues to burn, the focus remains on protecting lives and property, with the hope of increasing containment in the coming days.
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