The Pickett fire has exploded in size. As of Friday afternoon, it has burned more than 3,200 acres in a rugged, remote region of Napa County, California. Even now, as we report this, it is just 5% contained. In fact, it is one of the biggest blazes reported in the area this week and is a direct threat to residents. Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued for hundreds of residents around Calistoga, as firefighters work diligently to control the flames.
Bob Todeschini, the battalion chief overseeing the fire-fighting efforts on the Pickett fire, gave this update. So far, he said, there are no reported injuries and no structural damage as well. California is in the throes of its worst multi-day heatwave of the season. This deadly scenario between motorists and pedestrians has been alarming officials and residents alike.
Those high temperatures have already shattered daily records across dozens of California cities. The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) has sounded the alarm about near record-setting heat, with smoke and conditions that will last for days. The NWS wants to drill it home that if you don’t have air conditioning, or some other peak cooling measure, you’re at a greater risk for heat-related illnesses.
“Without A/C or cooling, the body can’t recover, increasing the risk of heat illness.” – The NWS
With wildfires raging across the American West, fire danger is once again extremely elevated. So far in 2023, the US has already experienced more than 44,800 ignitions—making this the most ignited year in the past 10 years. Today, more than 16,500 wildland firefighters and support personnel remain deployed to fight fires across the country. Combined, these fires have burned at least 912,400 acres so far this year.
Yet as rising temperatures make this all the more imperative, that situation is growing more dire by the day. CalFire analysts emphasized that firefighter safety is paramount while battling these fires under such extreme weather conditions.
“Firefighter safety will be an emphasis once again Friday, with temperatures expected to reach into the upper 90s.” – CalFire analysts
The NIFC recently sounded an alarming alarm over dangerous weather conditions hampering firefighters’ efforts on the ground.
“Hot, dry, and unstable conditions are likely along much of the West Coast near and west of the Cascades and Sierra as near record-setting temperatures 10-25F above normal are expected.” – National Interagency Fire Center
As evacuation orders are lifted for some of impacted residents, officials encourage all to stay on alert and ready.
“We’d like to remind everyone to be vigilant and have a plan as we continue with suppression efforts.” – Bob Todeschini