Pickett Fire Scorches Nearly 6,500 Acres, Threatens Napa Valley Vineyards
NAPA COUNTY, Calif. — The Pickett Fire continued its march through northern Napa County on Saturday, burning 5,862 acres and forcing new evacuations as containment efforts lagged behind the fast-moving flames.
The fire, which ignited Thursday afternoon northeast of Calistoga, was just 11% contained as of Saturday evening, Cal Fire reported. Crews faced flare-ups near Aetna Springs that triggered evacuation orders for three additional zones, with officials warning more could follow. Residents were urged to remain alert and keep emergency notifications active on their phones.
The fire is burning in a rugged, mountainous area, much of which was previously affected by the 2020 Glass Fire. This has both complicated and aided firefighting efforts; while the terrain is difficult, the lack of heavy vegetation in the fire scar is helping to slow the spread in some areas.
Encroachment on Vineyards and Wineries
The Pickett Fire is a significant threat to the region's famous wine country. As the fire spreads, it is "encroaching on vineyards" and causing major concern among vintners and residents. While no structures have been reported destroyed, several wineries have been confirmed to be in the fire's path or are being directly threatened.
Vineyards in the area, including Hundred Acre Private Road Winery, Kenefick Ranch, Venge, Canard, Sterling, and Hourglass, have all been confirmed to be untouched by the fire so far. However, the flames have been reported to be just feet away from some grapes at Ink Grove Winery.
A major concern for vineyard owners is not just direct fire damage, but also the impact of smoke on the grapes, which can lead to "smoke taint" and ruin the harvest.
Evacuations and Resources
Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued for numerous zones in Napa County, with over 1,200 firefighters from across the state battling the blaze. The firefighting effort includes dozens of engines, hand crews, dozers, water tenders, helicopters, and air tankers.
Official and News Links
Cal Fire Incident Page: This is the official source for updates on the fire's size, containment, and evacuation zones. You can find detailed reports and maps here: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/8/21/pickett-fire/
KTVU News Coverage: KTVU has been providing extensive coverage, including details on the fire's threat to vineyards: https://www.ktvu.com/news/pickett-fire-grows-nearly-6000-acres-encroaching-napa-county-vineyards
CBS News San Francisco: Provides updates and video reports on the firefighting efforts and community impact: https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/calistoga-pickett-fire-napa-county-california/1,200 Firefighters on the Front Lines
More than 1,200 firefighters have been deployed to the fire zone, working around the clock to hold the blaze at bay. Late Saturday, crews scrambled to corral a dangerous “fire whirl” — a tornado-like column of flames — on a ridge west of Aetna Springs. Helicopters pounded the blaze from the air while ground crews shored up containment lines against advancing flare-ups.
“The fire is working its way out of the higher elevation in the hills and into the flats near some of the vineyards,” Capt. Robert Foxworthy, a Cal Fire spokesperson, told reporters.
