Wildfire in Calif.'s Napa County 5% contained
SACRAMENTO — A fast-growing wildfire in California's Napa County damaged one house and threatened 200 structures, prompting the evacuations of semi-rural communities near Lake Berryessa, a popular boating and fishing destination.
The Wragg Fire grew to 6,000 acres, or 9.4 square miles, by 10 a.m. Pacific time Thursday, according to CAL FIRE, and flames were 5% contained. Approximately 525 personnel, coming from as far away as San Diego, are fighting the fire.
CAL FIRE was investigating the cause of the fire, which was burning through brush and steep terrain. Napa County Sheriff's Department said a vehicle crash had set off the blaze.
Hwy. 128 is closed between Wragg Canyon Road and Monticello Dam, the sheriff's department said. The Quail Ridge and Golden Bear communities are under mandatory evacuations, while the Canyon Creek area and Lake Solano Campgrounds have been evacuated. Hikers in Cold Canyon Area have been taken to safety.
By 7 p.m. Wednesday, smoke from the fire had moved into the Sacramento area. The Sacramento Fire Department tweeted that people with respiratory problems should stay indoors.
CAL FIRE said it brought in six air tankers, 16 truck companies, 11 bulldozers and five water tenders to try to slow down the blaze that broke out shortly before 2:30 p.m. Pacific time Wednesday.
The blaze is burning through vegetation with sparse residential areas in the vicinity. It was spreading east, aided by winds of 13 to 25 mph.
Contributing: The Associated Press