Pickett Fire: Fire crews increase containment to 17%
Usa today news
BY MADISON SMALSTIG, THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
The marine layer extended Monday night into the Pickett Fire’s footprint, while temperatures decreased to the 60s on the western side of the fire and to the lower 70s in the east, according to a Cal Fire status update. These cooler and moist conditions allowed the more than 2,700 fire personnel to prevent the flames from expanding and make headway, increasing containment by about 4% over 24 hours.
Throughout Tuesday, the 248 engines, 29 water tenders, 14 helicopters, 75 bulldozers and 59 crews will continue containing the blaze, putting out hot spots and clearing areas. Some fuels still burning inside the established footprint are expected to send smoke over the area.
About 540 structures remain threatened by the fire. No buildings or homes have been reported to be damaged or destroyed, according to the Tuesday morning status update.
Due to the ongoing wildfire smoke, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District extended an air quality advisory through Wednesday for Napa, Sonoma and Solano counties.
A black-tailed jackrabbit hops away from the Pickett Fire front in Aetna Springs, Saturday, August 24, 2025. Firefighters scrambled to set backfires and deploy aircraft as strong gusty winds and low relative humidity stormed in to Aetna Springs. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)
Firefighters from a various agencies gather for a briefing at the end of Pickett Rd in Calistoga Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
California Conservation Corp firefighters from Magalia fire out brush at the head of the Pickett Fire in Aetna Springs, Saturday, August 24, 2025., (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)
California Conservation Corp firefighters from Magalia walk to the Pickett Fire line on Aetna Springs Road, Saturday, August 24, 2025., (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)
A dozer cuts a wireline as the Pickett Fire spots in to Aetna Springs, Saturday, August 24, 2025. Firefighters scrambled to set backfires and deploy aircraft as strong gusty winds and low relative humidity pushed the fire close to structures. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)
Firefighters battle the Pickett Fire burning in the Aetna Springs area of Napa County, Calif., on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
A bulldozer clears vegetation as the Pickett Fire approaches in the Aetna Springs area of Napa County, Calif., on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
In this 30 second in camera exposure, lights from water dropping helicopters the fire on the advancing Pickett Fire front above Aetna Springs in Napa County, Friday, August 22, 2025. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)
A Chinook helicopter is piloted past a spot fire as the Pickett Fire advances above Aetna Springs in Napa County, Friday, August 22, 2025. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)
A firefighter dons his equipment as the Pickett fire burns on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in Napa County, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
A plane drops fire retardant on the Pickett fire in Napa County, Calif., on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
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A black-tailed jackrabbit hops away from the Pickett Fire front in Aetna Springs, Saturday, August 24, 2025. Firefighters scrambled to set backfires and deploy aircraft as strong gusty winds and low relative humidity stormed in to Aetna Springs. (Kent Porter / The Press Democrat)
As of Tuesday morning, evacuation orders remain in nine zones across the fire’s footprint, stretching from Calistoga near Silverado Trail and Pickett Road northeast through the Palisades and Swartz canyons to Pope Valley Road. Six nearby zones are still under warning.
