Breaking: Wildfire Threatens Napa County: Evacuation Orders in Effect

written by a member of the WCB

August 23, 2025

A rapidly spreading wildfire in California’s Napa County has prompted widespread evacuations, with local authorities working to contain the blaze and protect residents and property.

Fire Details

The Pickett Fire, which began Thursday afternoon, has already consumed nearly 6,000 acres of land. As of Saturday, firefighters have managed to contain 11% of the wildfire. Current evacuation orders and warnings affect approximately 550 people in the region.

Firefighting Resources

California’s emergency response includes:

• 1,230 personnel

• 80 fire engines

• 7 helicopters

Comparative Context

While the current fire bears some geographical similarity to the devastating 2020 Glass Fire, Cal Fire operations section chief Jeremy Pierce emphasized key differences. “These are not anywhere close to the same conditions as the Glass Fire,” Pierce stated, noting the current blaze is primarily “slope and fuels-driven” without extreme weather complications.

Evacuation Status

Local authorities have implemented a structured evacuation approach:

• 190 people are under mandatory evacuation orders

• 360 people are under evacuation warnings

Residents are advised to:

• Stay informed through official channels

• Follow evacuation instructions promptly

• Use Genasys Protect for zone-specific information

Regional Wildfire Situation

The Pickett Fire is not an isolated incident. Simultaneously, Oregon is battling the Flat Fire, which has scorched 3,300 acres in central Oregon. The Jefferson County sheriff’s department has issued urgent evacuation notices, warning residents to leave immediately due to imminent threat.

Ongoing Investigation

The cause of both the Pickett Fire and the Flat Fire remains under investigation. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.

Note: Situation is developing. Residents should stay updated through official local emergency management channels.