Napa County brush fire grows to 4,000 acres; 150 structures threatened

A fast-moving brush fire broke out Wednesday near Lake Berryessa and spread to 4,000 acres, forcing evacuations and threatening about 150 structures, authorities said.

The blaze first broke out about 2:30 p.m. near Highway 128 and Greaves Road, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Flames spread swiftly through the steep, rugged terrain near the borders of Napa, Solano and Yolo counties, Cal Fire officials said.

Erratic winds posed a challenge to the 400 firefighters deployed to battle the blaze, which has prompted the closure of Highway 128, according to the state fire agency.

As of 9:12 p.m., the fire was about 5% contained.

Evacuations were ordered for the Cold Canyon, Mix Canyon and Quail Ridge. Three hikers in Cold Canyon were rescued, said Cal Fire spokesman Daniel Berlant. Campers in the Canyon Creek and Lake Solano campgrounds were also evacuated, officials said.

A vehicle collision was initially believed to have sparked the blaze. The exact cause remains under investigation, Berlant said.

The Red Cross opened a shelter for evacuees at the Winters Community Center in Winters, Calif.

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