Residents of northern Napa County found themselves on high alert this weekend as the Pickett Fire continued its relentless advance, prompting new evacuation orders and mobilizing a massive firefighting response. The blaze, which ignited northeast of Calistoga on Thursday, August 21, 2025, has rapidly grown in size and complexity, testing both the resolve of local communities and the resources of emergency services.
According to Bay City News, on Saturday morning, August 23, the Napa County Sheriff’s Office issued a mandatory evacuation order for zone POP-E002C, an area located west of Pope Valley Road. This latest directive follows a series of evacuation orders and warnings covering a patchwork of rural neighborhoods, vineyards, and forested hillsides in the region. The affected zone, as described by the Napa County Office of Emergency Services, lies north of Summit Lakes Drive, north of portions of Ink Grade, and west of Pope Valley Road—an area that’s no stranger to wildfire threats.
As of Saturday morning, the Pickett Fire had scorched 4,690 acres and was only 7% contained. CAL FIRE reported that more than 1,200 firefighters had been deployed to the scene, supported by 80 engines and seven helicopters. The firefighting effort has been nothing short of herculean, with crews working around the clock to cut fire lines, drop water and retardant from the air, and protect homes and infrastructure. Aerial photos published by the Napa Valley Register show air tankers making dramatic drops of flame-retardant chemicals, and firefighters navigating steep, rugged terrain to carve out defensive lines.
Despite the intensity of the fire and the scope of the response, authorities reported no injuries or property damage as of Saturday morning. That’s a testament to both the speed of the evacuation effort and the skill of the firefighting teams. For many residents, however, the threat remains all too real. One local, speaking to the Napa Valley Register, described keeping a bag of essential supplies packed and ready by the door—a stark reminder of how quickly conditions can change.
The list of mandatory evacuation zones has grown as the fire’s footprint has expanded. Besides POP-E002C, other zones under evacuation orders include POP-E001-B, NPA-E114, NPA-E115, NPA-E120, NPA-E121-B, NPA-E121-C, and NPA-E122-B. Meanwhile, several adjacent areas—NPA-E107, NPA-E121-A, NPA-E122-A, POP-E001-A, POP-E002-B, and ANG-E001—remain under evacuation warnings. Residents in these zones have been urged to prepare for the possibility of rapid evacuation, particularly those who may need extra time due to mobility or health concerns.
Community support efforts have also been evolving to meet the changing needs. An evacuation point was set up at Crosswalk Community Church on 1st Street in Napa, offering a safe haven for those forced to leave their homes. However, ABC7 reported that the center was closed on Friday night due to a lack of demand, with officials noting it would be reopened if the situation worsened or if more evacuees required assistance.
The firefighting strategy has relied heavily on aerial support, especially overnight. Between Friday and Saturday, three helicopters played a crucial role in keeping the flames largely within established control lines, according to CAL FIRE. Firefighters on the ground, meanwhile, have been working under challenging conditions, cutting fire lines on steep slopes and maneuvering heavy equipment through dense vegetation. Images from the fire line show exhausted crews emerging from smoky hillsides, hoses and tools in hand, as they race to stay ahead of the fire’s unpredictable movements.
For many in Napa County, the Pickett Fire is a harsh reminder of the region’s vulnerability to wildfires. The area’s Mediterranean climate, combined with years of drought and increasingly volatile weather patterns, has created a tinderbox environment. While this summer has seen its share of fire activity across California, the Pickett Fire’s rapid growth and proximity to populated areas have made it a particularly urgent concern for local authorities.
Yet, amid the anxiety and disruption, there’s a sense of resilience among residents and responders alike. The coordinated response—spanning local sheriff’s deputies, CAL FIRE, and community volunteers—has so far managed to keep the worst outcomes at bay. That’s no small feat, considering the scale of the blaze and the logistical challenges posed by Napa’s rugged terrain.
Officials have been quick to emphasize the importance of heeding evacuation orders and staying informed through official channels. Maps of the affected zones, regularly updated by the county, have become essential tools for both residents and emergency planners. The Napa County Office of Emergency Services has urged everyone in the region to remain vigilant, monitor updates, and be prepared to act quickly if conditions change.
Meanwhile, the firefighting community continues to adapt its tactics as the fire evolves. With containment still in the single digits, crews are bracing for a long battle. The focus remains on holding the fire within existing control lines, protecting critical infrastructure, and ensuring the safety of both the public and the personnel on the front lines.
For those living in the shadow of the Pickett Fire, the coming days will be crucial. Weather conditions, wind patterns, and the success of ongoing containment efforts will all play a role in determining whether the fire can be brought under control before it threatens more homes and livelihoods. Local officials have promised to reopen evacuation centers and expand support services as needed, underscoring the unpredictable nature of wildfire emergencies.
In the end, the story of the Pickett Fire is one of uncertainty, determination, and community spirit. As one resident summed it up with a weary nod, “You just have to be ready, and hope for the best.” For now, Napa County waits—and watches—hoping that the worst can be averted, and that the fire’s toll remains limited to scorched earth, not lost lives or homes.
