Sunday, Sept. 7, 9:30 p.m.
The Pickett Fire is 100% contained, according to Cal Fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2:45 p.m.
The 6,819-acre Pickett Fire is now close to full containment at 90%. Firefighters are actively mopping up the fire and minimal fire activity is expected, according to Cal Fire. All evacuation orders and warnings have been lifted as of today at 12 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 28, 12:55 p.m.
The Pickett Fire is up to 33% containment, while still at 6,803 acres, according to Cal Fire.
Monday, Aug. 25, 6:52 p.m.
Cal Fire gave a live update on Facebook about the Pickett Fire at 6 p.m. The fire, which has been mapped at 6,803 acres since Aug. 21, has engulfed the mountain range two miles east of Calistoga and is 15% contained.
A panel of officials representing Napa, Sonoma and Lake counties each took turns addressing the public and answering questions regarding the Pickett Fire. The livestream began with an update on the fire’s size, which remained stable over the last 24 hours with 2,045 personnel supporting the firefighting operation.
Steve Chapman, the operations section chief, gave an update on the situation on the ground, noting the swift and aggressive push crews made to build fire lines and cut vegetation despite the steep terrain. Chapman also confirmed that no structures had been destroyed from the fire, but saving the wooded foothills was an initial challenge.
“That area is really steep and really inaccessible in that area, interior islands burning off, [with] potential for rollout below control lines,” Chapman said. “Crews continue to strengthen lines with dozers, cooling heat sources.”
The days before the fire had been humid in the high 90s, but the following days of weather are expected to be favorable for moderating the fire, according to expert meteorologist Matt Mehle.
“We are in a pattern break bringing some relief in the Pickett Fire, and we will see additional cooling each afternoon,” Mehle said. “I see some issues that will be the winds, which is very common this time of year. Fortunately these winds taper off at night and go uphill.”
Mehle also said there were no strong coastal winds expected for the rest of week, which would provide an opportunity for firefighters to gain more control over the fire.
Fire behavior analyst Alexander Giery noted that while the fire remains within its expected boundary, smoke will rise in the afternoon winds but will diminish over the following days as hot spots burn out. Giery announced that an air pollution adviser had arrived that day to help officials assess any health concerns and provide more informed forecasts for pollution.
Officials do not expect the footprint to grow, but are applying critical attention to the fire.
“We are confident that the line will hold. If everything remains the way it is and crews remain engaged — which they are — we should see an increase in containment lines,” Chapman said.
Sunday, Aug. 24, 3:52 p.m.
Zones POP-E001-A and NPA-E120 have been downgraded from evacuation orders to warnings.
Sunday, Aug. 24, 12:07 p.m.
The City of Calistoga has released a message to residents asking them to not fly or operate drones within city limits as they are interfering with Cal Fire aircrafts, according to WatchDuty.
Calistoga Community Center, located at 1307 Washington St., is operating as a resource center, providing charging stations for mobile devices as well as AC and refreshments.
Sunday, Aug. 24, 11:18 a.m.
Despite Cal Fire’s efforts to contain the fire overnight, the Pickett Fire has grown to 6,803 acres. Though the fire has continued to grow towards Aetna Springs, no new evacuation orders or warnings have been issued and containment remains at 11%.
Saturday, Aug. 23, 10:45 p.m.
The fire has grown to 6,531 acres and is still at 11% containment, having grown more than 1,800 acres on Saturday, according to Cal Fire.
Saturday, Aug. 23, 8:46 p.m.
According to Air Attack, the fire is nearing several structures in zone POP-E001-B. Helicopters are attempting structure protection, according to the WatchDuty app.
Saturday, Aug. 23, 7:46 p.m.
According to WatchDuty, the fire is approaching Aetna Springs and Butts Canyon Roads. According to Cal Fire Air Attack, the fire has spread outside the control lines on the northwest side of the fire.
Saturday, Aug. 23, 6:51 p.m.
The Pickett Fire has grown to 5,862 acres and is at 11% containment, while continuing to move toward Aetna Springs, according to Cal Fire.
Evacuation orders are in effect for zones POP-E001-A, POP-E001-B, POP-E002-C, NPA-E114, NPA-E115, NPA-E120, NPA-E121-B, NPA-E121-C, NPA-E122-B, NAP-E107-B and NAP-E108-A.
Evacuation warnings are in effect for zones NPA-E107-A, NPA-E121-A, NPA-E122-A, POP-E002-B and ANG-E001.
Saturday, Aug. 23, 2:24 p.m.
Cal Fire now has 80 fire engines, 29 dozers, 23 water tenders, seven helicopters, 35 crews and 1,230 personnel fighting back the fire. According to their webpage, Cal Fire’s objective for today is to strengthen control lines along Friesen Drive and Ink Grade to prevent further spread towards Aetna Springs.
Saturday, Aug. 23, 9:12 a.m.
The Pickett Fire grew to 4,690 acres overnight and remains 7% containment according to Cal Fire. The fire challenged control lines, but efforts from well-seasoned crews with experience in the rugged terrain have been “instrumental in guiding effective suppression efforts,” according to Cal Fire.
Established contingency lines remain intact from the efforts of overnight helicopters, UAS drones and ground crews. Saturday’s goal is to strengthen control lines to prevent further spread, according to Cal Fire’s webpage.
Evacuation orders remain in effect for zones NPA-E114, NPA-E115, NPA-E120 and NPA-E121-B.
Evacuation warnings remain in effect for zones NPA-E107, NPA-E121-A, NPA-E122, POP-E001-B, POP-E002-B and ANG-E001.
Friday, Aug. 22, 8:49 p.m.
According to Cal Fire, the Pickett Fire has now reached 3,993 acres. WatchDuty reports that the fire has stayed within control lines despite its growth and fire teams plan to fight through the night once again. It is unclear if the fire’s containment remains at 7%.
Friday, Aug. 22, 4:42 p.m.
The Pickett Fire has grown to 3,235 acres according to Cal Fire. Hand lines and dozers have kept the fire at bay and containment has gone up to 7%.
There are currently eight helicopters, 75 engines, 15 dozers, 10 water tenders and 435 overall active personnel on the Pickett Fire.
Friday, Aug. 22, 1:24 p.m.
Cal Fire LNU has announced through X that the Pickett Fire is 5% contained, but has not provided a new acreage update. 15 dozers continue to establish lines and control the fire by Rattlesnake Ridge to Sugarloaf Mountain.
Shortly after 8 a.m. new evacuation orders were issued for zone E-115.
Friday, Aug. 22, 7:16 a.m.
The Pickett Fire remains zero percent contained at 2,133 acres. Water dropping aircrafts were able to suppress the fire throughout the night and prevent further growth. Fire activity will likely increase today as temperatures rise, according to Cal Fire Division Chief Ryan Isham.
435 total personnel, including 75 engines, eight hand crews, 15 dozers, 10 water tenders and numerous air tankers and helicopters are assigned to work Friday, according to Cal Fire Lake Napa Unit’s (LNU) post on X.
Friday, Aug. 22, 2:36 a.m.
The Pickett Fire remains at 2,133 acres. Cal Fire has sent in multiple dozer crews to Aetna Springs road in Pope Valley, Calif. to protect homes and get ahead of the fire before it comes closer to residential areas. It is the main objective of Cal Fire this early morning to get as many hand-lines and dozer lines in before the sun comes up and the 94 degree heat and wind shows itself later today.
According to Cal Fire Lake Napa Unit’s (LNU) post on X, there are currently 53 engines, eight hand crews, eight dozers, four water tenders and a total of 350 personnel fighting the fire this early morning. The X post also relayed that the North Bay All-Hazard Incident Management Team (NBIMT) has been activated to assist Cal Fire LNU with logistical operations on the Pickett Fire.
Friday, Aug. 22, 12:08 a.m.
Cal Fire reported the Pickett Fire has grown to 2,133 acres and continues to spread to the southeast of Calistoga. The fire remains zero percent contained.
Although the fire has nearly doubled, evacuation zone E-115 remains under evacuation warning, according to Cal Fire’s website.
Thursday, Aug. 21, 9:17 p.m.
Cal Fire Public Information Officer Tyree Zander told Oak Leaf reporters the fire is moving southeast and remains zero percent contained, partially due to the area’s steep and rugged terrain. Fire teams plan to fight through the night, using three night-flight helicopters. Cal Fire teams plan to go ahead of the fire and fortify existing fire breaks.
Zander called for the public to stay off Silverado Trail to allow resources to use the route.
According to the WatchDuty app, all aerial tankers are done for the night and will return at 8 a.m. tomorrow.
WatchDuty stated that the Calistoga Community Center is closed for the evening and all evacuees seeking overnight shelter should report to Crosswalk Community Church at 2590 1 St., Napa.
Thursday, Aug. 21, 6:01 p.m.
Evacuation zone 121-B has now received a level three evacuation order.
Thursday, Aug. 21, 5:34 p.m.
The Pickett Fire has spread to 1,200 acres, according to the WatchDuty app. Evacuation zones 114 and 120 have received level three evacuation orders.
A 60-acre fire erupted near Pickett Road in Calistoga Thursday afternoon.
Evacuation orders have been set for zones NPA-E114 and NPA-E120. Evacuation warnings have been set for zones NPA-E115, NPA-E121 and NPA-E122.
The fire, which began around 3:30 p.m., spread quickly in the 99 degree heat, aided by 9 mph southwest winds.
According to the WatchDuty app, planes from Cal Fire’s Sonoma air attack are on the scene and officials have requested further back up.
The Calistoga Community Center at 1307 Washington St. is open for evacuees, according to Alert Napa County.
According to Calistoga Fire Department, evacuation zones 120 and 114 have received orders to leave the area, however no evacuations have been issued within Calistoga city limits.
The Cal Fire website states 215 personnel, 3 helicopters, 27 fire engines, 4 dozers, 3 water tenders and six fire crews are attempting to contain the fire.
This is a developing story. Please check back for live updates.
