A wildfire named the Pickett Fire broke out in the 2300 block of Pickett Road, just outside Calistoga city limits in Napa County, according to Cal Fire. By 3:32 p.m., the fire had spread to 15 acres of grass and brush, with a moderate rate of spread and short-range spotting.
The blaze generated a large plume of smoke visible across Napa County and into Santa Rosa, with sightings confirmed by the Santa Rosa Fire Department from Farmers Lane and Sonoma Avenue at 4:15 p.m.
Thank you for fighting this thing in 100 degree weather and keeping us safe‼️ 🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/Hd4D3duIwy
— 🇺🇲 Cali Mama Patty (@gma_here) August 21, 2025
Cal Fire noted the fire is burning in rugged, lightly populated terrain south of Mount St. Helena, near vineyards and Highway 128.
#PickettFire – NEW INCIDENT – Firefighters are at scene of a vegetation fire near the 2300 block of Pickett road, Calistoga. The fire is approximately 3 acres and has a moderate rate of spread. If traveling in the area use caution. #CALFIRE#CALFIRELNU pic.twitter.com/TkCodF1OHE
— CAL FIRE LNU (@CALFIRELNU) August 21, 2025
Evacuation Orders and Pickett Fire Map
At 4 p.m., the Napa County Sheriff’s Office issued mandatory evacuation orders for zones E120 and E114, both north of Silverado Trail, warning residents of an “imminent threat to life.” Evacuation warnings were issued for zones E115, E121, and E122, advising residents to prepare to leave quickly, especially those with pets, livestock, or special needs.
Authorities urged residents to consult official maps and evacuation updates at readynapacounty.org.
“Map accuracy depends on third-party updates, but it remains the most reliable tool for tracking evacuation zones in real time,” Cal Fire said.
Firefighting Efforts Underway
Cal Fire’s Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit deployed multiple air tankers, helicopters, and ground crews to combat the blaze. Temperatures near 98°F and southwest winds of 10 mph created challenging conditions for containment, according to the National Weather Service.
Despite heavy smoke on Highway 128, the California Highway Patrol confirmed no road closures as of 3:30 p.m.
The Pickett Fire broke out just hours after the McKinley Fire, a 2-acre blaze in southern Lake County near Middletown, which was quickly contained. Officials highlighted that back-to-back ignitions demonstrate extreme fire danger amid ongoing heat advisories.
Fire History and Community Guidance
The Pickett Fire follows several major wildfires in Napa County, including:
- 2024 Toll Fire north of Calistoga (40.6 acres)
- 2020 Glass Fire (over 67,000 acres burned, 600+ homes destroyed)
- 2017 Tubbs Fire, one of California’s most destructive wildfires
Residents under evacuation orders are urged to leave immediately with emergency supplies, documents, and pets. Those under warnings should prepare for rapid escalation. The public is asked to stay clear of the fire area and follow instructions from Cal Fire and the Napa County Sheriff’s Office.
