Snell Fire In Napa County Burns 1,900 Acres, Forces Evacuations

NAPA COUNTY, CA — The Snell Fire has scorched about 1,900 acres in Napa County and forced multiple neighborhoods to evacuate as firefighters close roads and try to protect 180 threatened buildings. The blaze broke out Saturday afternoon less than 10 miles southeast of Middletown in a remote location that's difficult to access.

Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for Berryessa Estates, Snell Valley Road and the west side of Berryessa-Knoxville Road from the Pope Creek Bridge to the county line, county emergency officials told Patch. Evacuees can head to the Pope Valley Farm Center at 5800 Pope Valley Rd.

Snell Valley Road and Butts Canyon Road remain closed, as well as Knoxville-Berryessa Road from Putah Creek Bridge North to the county line.

Flames stretched taller than trees in the grassy woodland area in an unincorporated section of Napa County. Officials said the blaze is spreading at a moderate rate. Cal Fire said just 10 percent of the inferno had been contained by 9 p.m. Saturday.

There are 480 firefighters helping battle the blaze amid hot and dry conditions. More than 50 fire engines, three helicopters, 17 dozers and nine water tenders have been deployed.

The cause of the blaze remains unknown. An investigation is ongoing.

Photos credit: Al Francis of napasonomaphotos.com