Pickett fire in Calistoga prompted evacuation orders on Thursday as the blaze spread in Napa County.
The California Fire Department reported that the fire had grown to approximately 15 acres and was 0% contained. Officials confirmed that more ground and air resources had been ordered to help fight the blaze.
Napa County officials said that resources currently assigned include 26 engines, 4 bulldozers, 8 hand crews, 9 air tankers, and 6 helicopters.
The fire was first reported near the 2300 block of Pickett Road in Calistoga. At that time, officials said the fire was around 3 acres and spreading at a moderate rate. “If traveling in the area use caution,” the department noted.
Watch Duty, a nonprofit that monitors wildfires, said evacuation levels had escalated. An evacuation warning at level 2 was replaced with a level 3 order, requiring residents to leave immediately to ensure survival.
The California government announced that warnings were issued for zones NPA-E115, NPA-E121, and NPA-E122. Evacuation orders are now active for zones NPA-E114 and NPA-E120. “Immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to LEAVE NOW. The area is lawfully closed to public access,” the statement said.
The Santa Rosa Fire Department reported visible smoke from the fire, sharing images taken from Sonoma Avenue and Farmers Lane. “SMOKE VISIBLE in the City of Santa Rosa, CA. View from Sonoma Ave and Farmers Ln. of the PICKETT Fire in Napa County. This fire is northeast of Calistoga,” the department posted.
Videos of the fire circulated widely on social media. One clip showed flames with a caption describing the resilience of the community. Another video captured plumes of smoke rising into the sky.
Messages of support were shared online for the firefighters. One user wrote, “I pray for your safety, success & weather in your favor. With all of you in spirit!”
