Pickett Fire becomes largest Napa County wildfire since 2020 as crews make progress on containment

Firefighters in Napa County are working to contain the Pickett Fire, which has burned approximately 6,803 acres since it began five days ago near Calistoga. According to CalFire, the state fire agency, cooler temperatures and higher humidity over the past 24 hours have helped slow the fire’s growth. This blaze is now the largest wildfire in Napa County since the Glass Fire in 2020.

The fire started around 3 p.m. on August 21 in the Pickett Road area, close to Kenefick Ranch and Eisele Vineyard. In its first day, it spread quickly, burning more than 2,100 acres as near-triple-digit temperatures and moderate winds fueled its advance. The flames moved northeast over the weekend into less populated, wooded areas, and smoke has been carried east by the wind. While residents and visitors have noticed smoke in the air, local vintners report that it has remained high above the vineyards so far.

Winemakers across Napa Valley are monitoring their grapes for possible smoke exposure. Marcus Notaro, winemaker at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, said his team will test grapes from Calistoga and other potentially affected areas once the fire is contained. He noted that experience from previous wildfires in 2017 and 2020 has helped refine their testing protocols to ensure grape quality. “Smoke events are complicated,” Notaro said, “but we will be evaluating all potentially impacted grapes here in the coming weeks.”

On Monday, authorities lifted an evacuation order for parts of northern Angwin on Howell Mountain. No injuries or structural damage have been reported so far, and vineyard and winery owners say their properties remain unharmed. However, evacuation warnings remain in effect for some areas as firefighters continue their efforts.

Jayson Woodbridge, who owns property near Calistoga and recently purchased Kelly Fleming Vineyards and Winery, said he spent Sunday night defending his land with hoses alongside firefighters. “The forest is burned and it’s a large fire,” Woodbridge said. “No damage to the winery, no damage to the house. The hundreds and hundreds of firemen deployed are doing a great job.”

CalFire reports that more than 350 personnel are on scene with support from 53 engines, eight hand crews, eight bulldozers, four water tenders, three helicopters—including night-flying aircraft—and other resources. Local wine industry members are also assisting first responders. Michael Coode of Pope Valley Winery said his team has provided bulldozers and water tenders to help build containment lines. He added that CalFire plans to station two engines at his Howell Mountain property due to its proximity to the fire.

With harvest season just beginning for many wineries in Napa Valley, concerns about smoke taint remain high. Most red grapes are still several weeks away from harvest, giving growers hope that any smoke exposure will be minimal if conditions improve soon. John Conover of PlumpJack Collection said it is too early to know how much impact there will be on this year’s vintage but noted that so far there is little visible smoke in up-valley areas.

Emma Swain of St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery reported mostly clear skies at Dollarhide Ranch in Pope Valley but said they have started to smell smoke from a distance. She praised CalFire’s quick response and expressed hope for rapid containment.

Firefighters expect temperatures to remain in the mid-to-upper 90s through the weekend but are encouraged by calmer winds and higher humidity levels in recent days. The situation remains fluid as crews work around the clock to protect homes, vineyards, and natural resources in one of California’s most important wine regions.