Advertisement

Wildfire in Napa County grows to 4,300 acres as conditions worsen

Share

A wildfire burning in northern Napa County has now scorched at least 4,300 acres and continues to threaten more than 350 homes, authorities said Thursday.

Although the Butts fire is 30% contained, the massive blaze has continued to grow since it started just after noon Tuesday in Pope Valley, northwest of Lake Berryessa.

Authorities fear fire conditions could worsen during the Fourth of July weekend as temperatures increase and humidity drops, said Alicia Amaro, spokeswoman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Advertisement

The blaze continues to rip through dry brush, oak, grass and pine trees in steep, rugged terrain, destroying two homes and seven outbuildings, according to CalFire.

The fire was particularly active Tuesday due to the area’s drought conditions, Amaro said.

“Firefighters are working in extreme conditions, high heat, humidity, with the potential for erratic wind,” CalFire said in a statement.

Although the fire continues to rage, the blaze has not threatened the area’s prized wineries, but evacuations have been ordered for some communities.

Residents along Butts Canyon Road from James Creek Road to Snell Valley Road and the Berryessa Estates were evacuated. Many residents haven’t returned to their homes for three days.

Crews have constructed a handline and used bulldozers to straighten the fire perimeter, but Amaro advised residents in nearby communities in Lake County to be prepared to evacuate if conditions worsen.

For the latest round of evacuation orders, Amaro said residents were already prepared to leave, which helped firefighters.

Advertisement

For information about fire preparation, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org.

For breaking news in Los Angeles and California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA. She can be reached at veronica.rocha@latimes.com.

Advertisement