VIDEO: More than 200 personnel were battling a wildfire burning in the hills east of Calistoga that swelled to 1,200 acres and prompted evacuations Thursday afternoon, fire officials said. The Calistoga Community Center has opened for evacuees from the Pickett Fire, which was reported shortly before 3 p.m. along Pickett Road near the Kenefick Ranch Vineyard and Winery. The blaze was 0% contained as of 5:30 p.m., according to Cal Fire. The fire was burning at a moderate rate of spread, fire officials said on social media.
Evacuation orders have been issued for some zones in the area. Cal Fire officials said more than 215 personnel from several agencies were battling the fire, assisted by three helicopters, four air tankers and one air tactical aircraft. The fire also prompted an air quality advisory for smoke. The Bay Area Air District said wildfire smoke is expected to affect Sonoma, Napa and Solano counties on Thursday and Friday.
Emergency crews respond to brush fire in San Martin
Around 8 acres burned Thursday in a blaze known as the Watson Fire in unincorporated Santa Clara County. The fire was reported 12:17 p.m. in the area of West San Martin Avenue, near Sunshine Street, in San Martin. The Santa Clara County Fire Department said initial reports indicate a vehicle struck a pole, which ignited the blaze. No structures were threatened, according to the fire department. Forward progress of the blaze was stopped before 1:20 p.m., Cal Fire said
