Pickett Fire Ravages California Wine Country, Forcing Thousands to Evacuate
By Elena Torres
August 24, 2025
Calistoga, CA – A fast-moving wildfire, dubbed the Pickett Fire, has swept through Northern California’s Napa Valley, scorching over 4,690 acres and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate as flames threaten homes, vineyards, and iconic wineries. Sparked on August 21, 2025, near Calistoga, the blaze remains only 7% contained, challenging firefighters amid a punishing heatwave and raising concerns about the region’s wine industry and tourism economy.
A Rapidly Escalating Crisis
The Pickett Fire erupted shortly before 3 p.m. on Thursday on the 2300 block of Pickett Road, fueled by dry vegetation and triple-digit temperatures. By Saturday morning, it had consumed nearly 4,690 acres, according to Cal Fire, doubling in size overnight as slope-driven runs and short-range spotting tested containment lines. Evacuation orders remain in effect for rural areas and parts of Calistoga, with Google Maps and emergency apps flashing warnings as highways closed and thick smoke blanketed the region.
Over 1,230 personnel, supported by 80 fire engines and seven helicopters, are battling the blaze, with California’s new night-flying helicopters working through Friday night to curb its spread. Cooler temperatures and rising humidity have offered some relief, but Cal Fire cautions that the fire’s path, eerily similar to the destructive 2020 Glass Fire, threatens several esteemed Napa Valley wineries, including Hundred Acre, Sterling, Eisele, and Venge Vineyards.
Impact on Napa Valley’s Wine Industry
Napa County, renowned for its world-class vineyards and multi-billion-dollar wine industry, faces significant risks. The Pickett Fire has scorched dry chaparral and oak woodlands, with smoke posing a threat of “smoke taint” to unharvested grapes, potentially ruining entire vintages by imparting an ashy flavor. Winemaker Cary Gott of Calla Lily Estate noted light smoke in Pope Valley but remained cautiously optimistic, while others, like Hourglass Winery owner Jeff Smith, expressed “PTSD” from past fires, referencing the 2020 Glass Fire’s devastation.
Wineries have implemented fire preparedness measures, such as irrigation systems and defensible spaces, but the unpredictability of wildfires remains a challenge. Jayson Woodbridge of Hundred Acre, who manned hoses to protect his property, reported no structural damage, but the status of estates like Eisele Vineyard remains uncertain. The economic fallout could be severe, with the wine industry supporting tens of thousands of jobs and drawing global tourists to towns like Calistoga and St. Helena.
Humanitarian and Community Response
The Red Cross and local charities are providing aid to evacuees, many of whom fled with only moments to gather possessions. Emergency services have worked tirelessly, directing traffic and ensuring public safety as flames consumed dozens of homes. Social media posts on X capture the chaos, with one user writing, “Calistoga’s a ghost town right now—heartbreaking to see wine country burning again.” Another praised community resilience: “Local restaurants are feeding first responders and evacuees. Napa’s spirit shines through.”
The fire coincides with other blazes across the West, including Oregon’s Flat Fire, which has scorched 3,300 acres and prompted Level 3 evacuations near Lake Billy Chinook. The National Weather Service issued heat warnings, with temperatures expected to reach 32–38°C through the weekend, heightening fire risks across California.
A History of Fire in Wine Country
Napa and Sonoma counties have faced recurring wildfires, including the 2017 Tubbs Fire, 2019 Kincade Fire, and 2020 Glass Fire, which destroyed wineries like Cain Vineyard and Fairwinds Estate. The region’s Mediterranean climate, ideal for grape-growing, also creates dry, fire-prone conditions. Climate change, coupled with years of drought, has intensified these risks, with 2025 marking a record for U.S. fire ignitions, per a Reddit discussion on r/collapse.
Looking Ahead
As firefighters work to contain the Pickett Fire, the focus remains on protecting lives, homes, and Napa Valley’s economic backbone. The air quality, impacted by heavy smoke, poses risks for vulnerable groups, prompting warnings from Cal Fire. With the harvest season underway, winemakers are monitoring conditions closely, hoping to salvage crops amid fears of smoke taint.
The Pickett Fire serves as a stark reminder of California’s ongoing wildfire crisis, testing the resilience of its wine country communities. As one X user put it, “Napa’s burning, but the fight to save it is fierce. Here’s to the firefighters and the spirit of wine country.”
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Elena Torres is an environmental reporter covering wildfires and climate impacts.