Wildfires in California’s Napa Valley and central Oregon intensified over the weekend, forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes. Firefighters are battling the blazes amid scorching temperatures, low humidity, and rugged terrain. Officials warn that the coming days could bring even more dangerous conditions as heat and wind threaten containment efforts.
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Pickett Fire Expands in Napa
The Pickett Fire in Napa County has grown to more than 10 square miles (26 sq km) and is just 11% contained, according to Cal Fire. Nearly 190 people have been ordered to evacuate, with another 360 under warnings as the fire threatens about 500 structures near Aetna Springs and Pope Valley. More than 1,200 firefighters, supported by helicopters and air tankers, are attempting to slow the spread.
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Evacuation Orders and Warnings
Cal Fire confirmed that while no structures have yet been reported destroyed, damage assessments remain ongoing. Jason Clay, spokesperson for the Calfire Sonoma Lake-Napa Unit, said the terrain and forecast of continued hot, dry weather would make “sustained efforts crucial for containment.” Residents in Napa, Sonoma, and Solano counties remain under an air quality alert through Monday…