By Madison Smalstig, Press Democrat
Firefighting crews have expanded containment on the Pickett Fire to 29% as of Wednesday morning, Cal Fire reported. The blaze is not expected to spread further, though about 290 structures remain threatened.
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Overnight, the return of the marine layer boosted humidity in Napa Valley’s lower elevations, aiding suppression efforts for the 2,785 personnel assigned to the fire. On Wednesday, crews — supported by 251 engines, 35 water tenders, 11 helicopters, 62 bulldozers and 61 hand crews — planned to reinforce control lines and extinguish hot spots.
Damage assessment teams continue to survey the burn area to determine whether any structures were lost. So far, no injuries or deaths have been reported.
Air quality has also improved. On Tuesday, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District lifted a wildfire smoke advisory for Napa, Sonoma and Solano counties, citing cooler onshore winds, higher humidity, reduced fire activity and the success of suppression efforts.
Evacuation conditions are easing in some areas. By Wednesday afternoon, Napa County officials lifted warnings for two zones — POP-E001-A, west of Butts Canyon and north of Pope Valley Road, and NPA-E107-A, west of Aetna Mine Road in the Oat Hill Road area. Evacuation orders remain in effect across seven zones stretching from Calistoga near Silverado Trail and Pickett Road northeast through the Palisades and Swartz canyons to Pope Valley Road. Three zones in the southwest are still under warnings.
Road closures also remain in place. Aetna Springs Road is fully closed, while Rosedale, Pickett and James Creek roads are restricted to residents only.
You can reach Staff Writer Madison Smalstig at [email protected]. On X (Twitter) @madi.smals.