County, Yolo County

County, Sonoma-Lake Napa Unit, Cal Fire. One mile southwest of Guinda, CA. Timber, brush and tall grass. Minimal fire behavior. Road, area and trail closures in effect.

#CountyFire [update] on conditions and incident operations. pic.twitter.com/uaU6GI9YAq

— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) July 7, 2018

July 7, 2018 at 9:05 AM

A ridge of high pressure currently over the Desert Southwest will expand into Northern California. This will lead to a gradual increase in temperatures while corresponding RH values fall. Winds will become primarily terrain driven and light with a more climatological normal light north-northeast direction at night followed by west and southwest direction during the day.

Max temperatures by Monday will likely exceed 100 while both daytime and nighttime RH’s fall to critical values. At this time strong winds are not expected during this heat wave.

Fire behavior is expected to remain moderate with most of the incident within control lines. Fuels are receptive and the increasing temperatures and lower relative humidity will increase potential for escapes and spots fires. Fuel will begin to react to forecasted weather with more volatility than previous operational periods. Energy Release Component will push towards the 901h percentile. Any escapes from proposed burning operation will find receptive grass and brush and will be difficult to contain. The live fuel moistures for the area have made a dramatic drop last month and are at critical levels well ahead of seasonal normalcy.

Probability of Ignition 9S-100%
Spotting Distance 3/4 mile
Fine Dead Fuel Moisture 2-3%

July 6, 2018 at 7:51 PM

Cooler daytime temperatures have resulted in decreased fire behavior. Evacuation orders remain in effect for the following areas: (Napa County) Knoxville Mine Area , (Yolo County) Rumsey, Portions of Guinda, and Cache Creek Campground . An immediate threat remains for the previously mentioned areas including the Homestake Mining Company. Damage assessment has been initiated in areas where fire activity has diminished. To date a total of 18 structures have been confirmed destroyed. A road closure remains in effect for Highway 16 South of the Yolo County line.

July 6, 2018 at 5:56 PM

Evacuation orders are in effect for the following areas: (Napa County) Knoxville Mine Area , (Yolo County) Rumsey, Portions of Guinda, and Cache Creek Campground. An immediate threat remains for the previously mentioned areas including the Homestake Mining Company. Damage assessment has been initiated in areas where fire activity has diminished. To date a total of 16 structures have been confirmed destroyed. A Road closure remains in effect for Highway 16.

July 6, 2018 at 7:33 AM

Control objectives for today:

– Keep the fire South of Highway 20
– Keep the fire North of Miller Canyon
– Keep the fire East of Knoxville Road
– Keep the fire West of Highway 16

Weather forecast:

A ridge of high pressure is slowly building across CA from the east. This will lead to a gradual increase in temperatures while corresponding RH values fall. Winds will become primarily terrain driven and light with a more climatological normal light northnortheast direction at night followed by west and southwest direction during the day. The ridge becomes very strong late in the weekend and next week. Max temperatures will likely exceed 100 while both daytime and nighttime RH’s fall to critical values. At this time strong winds are not expected during this heat wave.

Fire behavior: The weather will be getting hotter and dryer this operational period. Fuel will begin to react to forecasted weather with more volatility than the previous two days. Fuel and topography will be the main driver of fire spread this operational period. The wind is not predicted to be a major factor in fire growth but gaps and drainages will accelerate wind speeds and could impact fire spread. The dominate fuel model for this incident is brush, grass with some jackpots of conifers. The live fuel moistures for the area have made a dramatic drop last month and are at critical levels well ahead of seasonal normalcy.

Damage Inspection Teams have begun to survey areas where fire activity has diminished. The number of damaged and destroyed structures reflected may change as teams continue to make progress.

July 5, 2018 at 6:14 PM

Mandatory evacuations for Knoxville Mine Are, Canyon Creek Resort, Portions of Guinda, Rumsey and Cache Creek Campground. Evacuation advisory for Homestake Mining Company and area south of Lake Berryessa, north of Quail Canyon Rd, south of Hwy 128, east of the Blue Ridge Mtn, west of Pleasants Valley Rd. State Highway 128 has been reopened between Markley Cove Resort and Pleasants Valley Rd. A road closure remains in effect for Highway 16.

July 5, 2018 at 8:47 AM

The fire burned throughout the night with little recovery from the relative humidity. The weather will become hotter and drier into the weekend and fire growth potential remains high.

July 5, 2018 at 8:43 AM

As a result of the aggressive work of firefighters building containment lines and more favorable weather conditions, the Napa and Solano County Sheriff’s Offices have lifted certain Evacuation Advisories and Road Closures areas in Napa and Solano Counties.

Napa County
• East of Capell Valley Road and North of State Highway 128
• This includes the Berryessa Highlands, Pleasure Cove Resort, Markely Cove Resort, and residences accessed by Steele Canyon Road

Solano County
• North of Quail Canyon Road
• South of State Highway 128
• East of the Blue Ridge Mountains
• West of Pleasants Valley Road

The closure of State Highway 128 between Markely Cove Resort and Pleasants Valley Road is rescinded.

July 5, 2018 at 8:21 AM

Control objectives for today:

– Keep the fire South of Highway 20
– Keep the fire North of Miller Canyon
– Keep the fire East of Knoxville Road
– Keep the fire West of Highway 16

Weather: An upper trough of low pressure will slowly give way to building high pressure from the east. The cool moist onshore flow will cease, allowing a much warmer and drier air mass to develop over the region. A gradual but significant rise in temperature and drop in both daytime and nighttime humidity is expected to begin today with peak values occurring this weekend. The general south and southwest wind flow will continue today but wind speeds should be slightly less than yesterday.

Fire Behavior: The window of cooler weather will begin to close today. This slight cooling trend had very little effect on fire behavior as fuels are burning with late season intensity. The south wind will be in alignment with the active branches of the incident and push the fire into heavier fuels. The sustained drought has deposited an extreme dead load within all fuel models adding to fire growth. The expected fire behavior this operational period is for moderate growth, but if fire becomes establish with wind and slope alignment fire activity will increase.

July 4, 2018 at 8:44 AM

Control objectives for today:

– Keep the fire South of Hamilton Canyon
– Keep the fire North of Miller Canyon
– Keep the fire East of Knoxville Road
– Keep the fire West of Highway 16

An upper trough of low pressure will approach the north coast maintaining onshore flow and a marine influence to the fire area today. Cool temperatures and higher relative humidity values will continue before returning to much lower daytime and nighttime RH’s as well as warmer temperatures on Thursday. The trough will also usher in a more general south and southwest wind flow over the fire area but strong winds are not expected. A more significant rise in temperature and drop in both daytime and nighttime humidity is expected to begin Saturday as another strong ridge of high pressure returns over the region.

Fire behavior forecast: Today will be the coolest and most moist day this week. This fcworable weather should keep fire behavior to a moderate level but a south wind will push the fire towards heavier fuels. The expected fire behavior this operational period is for moderate growth, but fuel conditions have been accelerating fire behavior despite cooler weather. The fire is burning in a mix of Grass, Brush and Conifers. South winds will align with the most active branches of the fire this operational period.

Firefighters worked aggressively through the night to build containment lines around the County Fire. Steep and inaccessible terrain has created difficulty for firefighters on the Northern end of the fire. Winds and dry vegetation still have the potential to fuel fire growth. State Highway 128, between Markley Cove Resort an Pleasants Valley Road, will remain closed due to the threat of debris rolling into the roadway.

July 3, 2018 at 10:04 PM

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced that the Knoxville Wildlife Area located in northeastern Napa County is now closed until further notice because of the County Fire.

The Knoxville-Berryessa Road, which runs through the wildlife area, is currently closed. Due to the uncertain nature of the fire it is unknown when the wildlife area will reopen. A follow-up press release will be issued regarding the reopening of the wildlife area when ground conditions warrant.

July 3, 2018 at 9:38 PM

As a result of the potential spread of the County Fire, burning in Yolo and Napa Counties, the Yolo and Napa County Sheriff’s Offices have issued a Mandatory Evacuation for the following area:

• West of State Highway 16, to Berryessa Knoxville Road, South of Old County Road 40, and North of County Road 53

Residents living in this area are urged to evacuate immediately.

The Napa County evacuation area does not include any permanent residences.

Napa County Sheriff’s Deputies are surveying the evacuation area for campers.

Yolo and Napa County residents are asked to monitor their news organizations for further instructions.

• Yolo County residents can dial 2-1-1 for additional information.
• Napa County residents can text their zip code to 888777 for updates.

Evacuations remain in place for Canyon Creek campgrounds. Continued threat to Snow Mountain National Monument. Highway 128 remains closed between Monticello Dam and Pleasant Valley Rd.

Firefighters worked aggressively through the day to build containment lines around the County Fire. Their efforts have been hampered on the northern end of the fire by steep, inaccessible terrain. While cooler temperatures are expected through tomorrow, winds and dry vegetation still have the potential to fuel fire growth.

July 3, 2018 at 8:53 PM

As a result of the aggressive work of firefighters building containment lines and more favorable weather conditions, the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office has lifted certain Evacuation Orders for the following areas in Yolo County:

• West of State Highway 16, between County Road 76 and County Road 81
• This includes the Community of Brooks and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation
• West of County Road 89, to the burn area, from County Road 23 in the North, to State 128 in the South

This does not include the previously evacuated areas of Napa County, North of State Highway 128 between the Eastern shore of Lake Berryessa and the Napa/Yolo County Line.

The road closure along State Highway 128 between Pleasants Valley Road and Markley Cove Resort remains in effect.

Residents along Positas Road will be allowed access with valid identification.

This mandatory evacuation order is being reduced to an evacuation advisory. Residents are reminded to remain prepared to evacuate if conditions worsen.

Yolo County residents are asked to monitor their news organizations for further instructions and are encouraged to dial 2-1-1 for additional information.

July 3, 2018 at 7:17 AM

Today’s control objectives:

– Keep lhe fire South of Hamilton Canyon
– Keep the fire North of Miller Canyon
– Keep the fire East of Knoxville Road
– Keep the fire West of Highway 16

The County Fire continued to burn actively throughout the night. The fire growth was driven primarily by steep terrain and dry vegetation. Firefighters continued to work through the night to construct new containment lines and defend structures threatened by the fire.

Weather: Seasonal conditions are expected to continue through Friday with temperatures and relative humidity values running near normal for this time of year. Winds will continue to mainly be out of the north during the late night and early morning hours with a gradual transition to southwesterly in the early afternoon. A significant rise in temperature and drop in both daytime and nighttime humidity is expected to begin Saturday as another strong ridge of high pressure returns over the region.

Fire behavior: Fire behavior the last operational period diminished slightly but the fire did continue to burn aggressively in dry receptive fuels. The expected fire behavior this operational period is for moderate growth as weather conditions will help suppression efforts. Down and dead Oak trees will retain heat and have potential for rollout on steep slopes into dry receptive grass. The fire is burning in a mix of Grass, Brush and scrub oak. Live fuels have made a rapid descent into near critical levels and are burning with characteristics of late fall conditions. Shifting winds throughout this operational period can increase fire activity on previously quiet portions of the line.

July 2, 2018 at 10:12 PM

Due to the potential threat posed by the County Fire, the Napa County Sheriff’s Office has issued an Evacuation Advisory for the following areas:

Berryessa Highlands

Markley Cove and Pleasure Cove Resorts

• East of Capell Valley Road
• North of State Highway 128 from Capell Valley Road, East to the Napa County line
• All of Steele Canyon Road

Residents of Berryessa Highlands, Markley Cove Resort and Pleasure Cove Resort should be prepared to evacuate if fire conditions worsen and the Napa County Sheriff’s Office, in consultation with fire incident commanders, determine the evacuation order is necessary.

Residents with special needs or pets requiring specialized transportation should consider extended travel times in their potential evacuation plans.

Although the evacuation advisory is precautionary, residents who elect to evacuate voluntarily should utilize State Highway 128, West or Monticello Road, South in their travel route.

Residents are asked not to utilize State Highway 128, East. There is no access into Solano or Yolo Counties via State Highway 128.

Residents are asked to monitor their news organizations for further instructions and are encouraged to sign up for Nixle updates by texting their zip code to 888777

July 2, 2018 at 7:08 PM

Short range spotting observed. There is an evacuation order for Golden Bear Estates. Road closures include Hwy 128 between Pleasant Valley Rd and Monticello Dam Rd.

July 2, 2018 at 7:07 PM

CAL FIRE UPDATE: CountyFire [update] near County Road 63 and Highway 16, Rumsey Canyon (Yolo and Napa Counties) is now 60,000 acres and 5% contained.

July 2, 2018 at 12:20 PM

Caltrans is staffing the closure of County Rd 87 off of Highway 128 west of Winters due to the County Fire. No ETO.

July 2, 2018 at 11:00 AM

Hwy 20 will reopen at 11:00 am. The California Highway Patrol has removed the road closure at State Route 53 and State Route 20 in Lake County and at State Route 16 and State Route 20 in Colusa County. State Route 20 is open to through traffic.

July 2, 2018 at 9:23 AM

The evacuation center for the #CountyFire in Yolo County has again moved to the Boy Scout Cabin in Esparto at 16960 Yolo Avenue.

July 2, 2018 at 6:52 AM

Very hot and dry conditions will continue over the fire region with very subtle improvement in rh today along with a few degrees cooler in afternoon temps. Winds will continue to mainly be out of the north during the late night and early morning hours with a gradual transition to westerly in the early afternoon.

Fire behavior the last operational period was extreme with sustained terrain and fuel driven runs. The expected fire behavior this operational period is for dangerous to critical rates of spread under shifting winds with long range spotting. The fire is burning in a mix of chamise, manzanita, and scrub oak. Dense areas of mature costal oak are adding to fuel loading and burning with complete consumption. Live fuels have made a rapid descent into near critical levels and are burning with characteristics of late fall conditions. Plume development is likely and outflows winds can exceed more than 40 mph spreading fire in unpredictable directions.

July 2, 2018 at 6:49 AM

Today’s control objectives:

– Keep the fire South of Hamilton Canyon
– Keep the fire North of Miller Canyon
– Keep the fire East of Knoxville Road
– Keep the fire West of Highway 16

July 1, 2018 at 7:46 PM

Extreme fire behavior with long range spotting observed. There is an immediate threat to the community of Golden Bear, Snow Mountain National Monument, and critical infrastructure.Evacuations are in progress for areas North of Highway 128, South of County Road 23, East of Berryessa Knoxville Rd., and West of County Rd 89. Evacuation advisory is in effect for areas North of Quail Canyon Road, South of Highway 128, East of Blue Ridge Mountains, and west of Pleasant Valley Rd.

July 1, 2018 at 5:33 PM

All available helicopters to the north tip of the County incident.

July 1, 2018 at 4:46 PM

Due to the rapidly growing County Fire, the Yolo County Sheriff’s Department has issued an additional Mandatory Evacuation for the following area:

• Residences served by Highway 128, between Monticello Dam and Pleasant Valley Road.

Additionally, the following road closures are in effect:

• Eastbound Highway 128 at Monticello Dam
• Westbound Highway 128 at Pleasant Valley Road

Pleasant Valley Road, South from Highway 128 remains open to serve traffic into Solano County.

July 1, 2018 at 2:00 PM

The fire has crossed Blue Ridge. Most aircraft are off the fire due to smoky conditions making it impossible to fly safely. Extreme fire behavior with long range spotting observed. There is a structure threat for numerous communities, with a mandatory evacuation order is in effect for the Golden Bear Estates. The fire has burned onto the Berryessa Snow Mountain Monument Area.

Air Quality Advisory Issued for June 30 and July 1, 2018

The Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District (District) is issuing an Air Quality Advisory to notify residents of local air quality conditions. The Advisory is in regards to the County Fire in Guinda, CA, at County Road 63 and Highway 16 in Rumsey Canyon, that is transporting smoke throughout the District and into neighboring counties.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag warning through Sunday with gusty winds, hot temperatures and low humidity. Air quality will be affected as the fire continues to burn and sends smoke into the air and throughout the District.

The following tips and strategies can help families and individuals stay informed and lower their health impacts and exposure when wildfire smoke is present:

• Reduce outdoor physical activity. Exercise increases the amount of air lungs intake by as much as 10 to 20 times, allowing pollution and smoke to travel deeper into the lungs.
• Reduce exposure to smoke. Children, the elderly, women who are pregnant, and people with respiratory or heart conditions should be particularly careful to avoid exposure. Make sure to follow your doctor’s directions regarding medicines and asthma management plans. Call your doctor if symptoms worsen and whether you should leave the area.
• Lower other sources of indoor air pollution. Smoking cigarettes, using gas, propane and wood-burning stoves and furnaces, spraying aerosol cans and even burning candles or incense can increase particle levels in a home and should be avoided when wildfire smoke is present.
• Pay attention to local news. Watch the news for health warnings as well as what to do in an emergency situation. Paying attention to public health messages is a measure residents can take to avoid smoke impacts and stay informed.
  Stay indoors. Avoid outdoor activities regardless of health or fitness level. Smoke affects everyone.
• Turn on your air conditioner. Reduce exposure to outdoor smoke by closing all windows and doors and turning on the air conditioner. Consider visiting a place with air conditioning if no air conditioner is available and it is too warm to stay indoors.
• Sign up to receive local air quality alerts and forecasts via email or text at: http://ysaqmd.enviroflash.org/.
  Follow the District online. Stay informed of local air quality issues by visiting the Air District’s website at: www.ysaqmd.org or following on Twitter: https://twitter.com/YoloSolanoAir or Facebook: www.facebook.com/YoloSolanoAir. YSAQMD covers all of Yolo County and the portion of Solano County that includes Dixon, Rio Vista and Vacaville.
• If traveling in a car is necessary, reduce the amount of wildfire smoke inside the car by keeping windows and doors closed. Keep vents shut and if possible use the car’s ‘recirculate air’ option.

Wildfire smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles when wood and other organic materials are burning that can penetrate deep into the lungs causing a range of health issues from coughing and trouble breathing to headaches and chest pain.

July 1, 2018 at 1:37 PM

Mandatory evacuations:
North of Highway 128 in Yolo County, excluding residences within the City of Winters

South of County Road 23

East of Berryessa Knoxville Road

West of County Road 89, however agricultural industry traffic will be allowed

Evacuation Advisory:

North of Quail Canyon Road

South of Highway 128

East of the Blue Ridge mountains

West of Pleasant Valley Road

For questions regarding Yolo County evacuations or advisories, please dial 2-1-1 For questions regarding Solano County evacuations or advisories please dial (707) 398-8261

Evacuation center: Guinda Grange Hall in the Community of Guinda 16487 Forest Ave. Guinda, CA 95637

July 1, 2018 at 10:50 AM

Effective 10:00 a.m. July 1, 2018 Mandatory Evacuations for the following areas:
– North of Highway 128
– South of County Road 23
– East of Berryessa Knoxville Road
– West of County Road 89

For questions regarding the evacuations please contact Yolo County 2-1-1

July 1, 2018 at 9:03 AM

Brown smoke plume from #CountyFire now extends all the way SE into the Bay Area and Pacific Ocean as seen by #GOESEast satellite. Explosive growth caused the fire to grow to 16,500 acres since it started Saturday afternoon. #cawx pic.twitter.com/eLu55rknU6

— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) July 1, 2018

July 1, 2018 at 8:20 AM

Control Objectives for today:

– Keep the fire South of Hamilton Canyon
– Keep the fire North of Tully Canyon
– Keep the fire East of Berryessa Road
– Keep the fire West of Highway 16

Fire is being wind driven to the south of the origin. Strong topographical features will offer noticeable changes in fuel loading. To the west of Blue Ridge the grasses will increase the ROS. Be on the watch out for a wind shift occurring in the afternoon. Winds will be coming from the west which places the canyons in direct alignment with afternoon winds. Burn scars to the west of blue ridge are greater that 10 years old and will offer limited fuel modification to slow fire progression.

Fuels are burning in a mix of chamise, manzanita, and scrub oak. These fuels burn hot and volatile with flame lengths over 25′. ROS is expected to be above 130 ch/hr with correct alignment of topography and winds in the heavy fuels. Grass fuels are expected to burn with a ROS 55 – 60 ch/hr and flame lengths 8′ – 11′.

July 1, 2018 at 7:54 AM

Fire is being driven by red flag weather conditions consisting of high temperatures, gusty winds and low humidities. Additional resources are on order and en route to the County Incident.

The fire was very active overnight.

June 30, 2018 at 8:50 PM

Continued structure threat and the mandatory evacuations west of Hwy 16, between County Rd 63 and County Rd 78 are still in effect. Red Flag Warning in effect for gusty winds and low RH through Sunday.

June 30, 2018 at 7:26 PM

High winds and dry fuels are causing fire to spread rapidly with long range spotting. There is continued structure threat causing mandatory evacuations west of Hwy 16, between County Rd 63 and County Rd 78.

June 30, 2018 at 5:54 PM

The fire has not reached Blue Ridge yet, long range spotting still a major concern.

June 30, 2018 at 4:42 PM

Evacuation center set up at Rumsey Grange Hall off Highway 16 and Madrone.

June 30, 2018 at 4:20 PM

Firefighters are making good progress on the left flank, but still potential for several thousand acres.

June 30, 2018 at 4:09 PM

Two tankers from the fire are being diverted to to Pawnee Fire.

June 30, 2018 at 3:56 PM

NWS: This fire is approaching the Napa county line northeast of Lake Berryessa. Be advised if you are recreating near Lake Berryessa area this afternoon.

June 30, 2018 at 3:39 PM

Additional VLAT ordered to the fire due to the fire becoming established in the canyon. Evacuation order for County Road 63 at County Road 76 at Hwy 16 including Murphy Ranch.

June 30, 2018 at 3:29 PM

Closest observation at Brooks shows 105°/43°. RH 12%. winds gusting to 19 mph. The fire has a dangerous rate of spread, with a threat to structures.