Pickett Fire updates: Wildfire is 100% contained, CAL FIRE says

Firefighters are dealing with several tough conditions as they fight the Pickett Fire near Calistoga.

Firefighters are dealing with several tough conditions as they fight the Pickett Fire near Calistoga.

It is extremely smoky, and Cal Fire says the terrain is difficult.

This morning, officials said that they are having issues even accessing parts of the fire.

In addition to the ground tools, they've been using air tankers, helicopters and even night vision goggles so that they can continue fighting the fire at night.

Add the hot weather to the tough terrain and it makes for one of the most challenging firefights these crews have faced.

"We are really focusing with our safety officers and our and our line medics to evaluate all personnel on the fire and truly reiterating that work rest cycle with our firefighters and providing them additional resources to support them throughout the day and throughout the incident," Cal Fire Unit Chief Matt Ryan said.

Cal Fire planned to send an intel flight up to be able to get an update on progress, like containment of the fire and the acres burned.

They said this morning that there were three structures that were threatened, but there have been no reports of injuries and no reports of damaged structures.

A new evacuation order has been issued for the Pickett Fire burning just east of the town of Calistoga.

The zone is NPA E115, which runs North and South of Aetna Springs, East of Victoria Drive and Oat Hill, West of Summit Lake Dr.

There are also additional evacuation warnings for zones NPA E107 and POPE001B (South of James Creek Rd).

The Pickett Fire near Calistoga nearly doubled in size Thursday night, reaching 2,131 acres with no containment, according to Cal Fire.

Fire officials mapped the blaze's new footprint at 11:15 p.m., showing rapid spread from the 1,200 acres reported around 5:20 p.m.

The vegetation fire, first reported shortly before 3 p.m. in the 2300 block of Pickett Road, is continuing to push, particularly in the southeast direction. Cal Fire said hundreds of personnel have been assigned to the blaze, working overnight with dozens of engines, crews, bulldozers, water tenders, and at least three helicopters.

Evacuation orders remain in effect for zones E114 and E120 and E121, with warnings in surrounding areas E115, E121 and E122. Overnight shelter for evacuees is available at Crosswalk Community Church at 2590 First St. in Napa, the Napa County Sheriff's Office said.

Many Calistoga residents watched in wonder as helicopters and air tankers dropped water and fire retardant.

CAL FIRE says as of 11:15 p.m., 2,131 acres have burned with 0% containment. A total of 350 personnel will be working through the night to battle the blaze.

"It's pretty scary. You don't know how big it's gonna get," said Amanda Mcwane, who is relatively newer to Calistoga but dealt with fires for years as a long-time Napa resident. "Today I woke up and it seemed like a normal day."

Mcwane said she knows the firefighters are working hard in difficult conditions.

"Zero visibility I'm sure," Mcwane commented as she watched a helicopter continue dropping water.

"Grateful, thankful," said Valentin Nava of the firefighters too. Nava works in downtown Calistoga at a distillery and said his employer shut down early because of the fire. "Fire does affect a lot when they do happen."

One group of tourists from Michigan were disappointed, as they flew out here to celebrate a 40th birthday.

"Very depressing," said Roupan Kechichian. "We don't like the whole situation and what's happening."

Kechician's friend Ani Broglin hopes they can keep their Friday plans.

"Tomorrow we have wineries booked in Calistoga. They're telling us it's ok. We'll see," said Broglin. "We've had bad luck in California."

Derek Webb, owner of Triple S Ranch, has seen plenty of wildfires over the decades. He said he's seen a more aggressive CAL FIRE approach over the years.

What I've noticed is how quickly they're on these things," said Webb. "CAL FIRES - if you look at the fires they put out, it is remarkable."

Webb said he'll be paying attention to weather conditions, especially the wind.

"I personally think it's something we have to live with, manage. We just need to do a better job managing," said Webb. "My message to everybody is fire is just part of life."