Pickett fire Calistoga: Napa County blaze spreads 1200 acres, triggers evacuations

Napa County in California is battling wildfires and residents have been forced to evacuate as the Pickett fire has spread to more than 1200 acres on Thursday, August 21.

The state’s fire agency Cal Fire, also known as California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, said that the Pickett fire began on Thursday afternoon and was spreading southeast.

The New York Times reports that evacuation orders have been issued for three zones in Calistoga with 72 residents and another five other zones with 474 residents were also under evacuation warning.

Cal Fire’s Battalion Chief of Pickett incident, Bob Todeschini, said that multiple air and ground resources were deployed to suppress the fire.

In a video shared on X, Bob said, “Evacuation orders have been issued and as we continue suppression efforts, three night flying helicopters as well as a Helco will be assigned to the incident.”

He said no structures have been damaged and no injuries reported so far.

City officials have stated that the evacuated residents can find shelter at the Calistoga Community Center and Crosswalk Community Church.

California is facing one of the worst wildfires this year amid worsening climate change effects as the region has recorded the hottest summer temperatures as well.