Atlas Peak fire in Napa County levels 125 buildings, threatens 5,000

Two fires have cut a large swath through central Napa County burning without containment Tuesday morning, affecting vineyards and threatening nearly 10,000 structures.

The fires aren’t currently connected, but Cal Fire has classified the two blazes - the Atlas and Partrick - as a single fire called the Southern Lake Napa Unit Complex.

With favorable weather conditions, fire crews are hopeful of building firelines to protect threatened homes and structures, said Battalion Chief Jonathan Cox, Cal Fire spokesman.

The Atlas Peak fire burning in Napa County south of Lake Berryessa continued to blaze Tuesday by early morning had destroyed 125 structures and was threatening another 5,000, according to Cal Fire.

There has been “extensive damage” to the area’s vineyards and wineries, Cox said.

The estimated 25,000-acres fire, which started Sunday night, was burning in mainly rural areas.

North winds Tuesday were expected to push the fire south into steep and more rugged terrain covered in thick brush - adding to the fire’s fuel. Officials hoped cooling temperatures and improved humidity would help the effort Tuesday night.

Several mandatory evacuations remained in place Tuesday, including Monticello Park, Silverado Country Club, Circle Oaks, Wild Horse Valley Road and Silverado Trail from Trancas to Highway 128 and Highway 128 to Moskowite Road.

Evacuation shelters remained open at the Calistoga fairgrounds, Napa Valley College gym, Solano Community College library parking lot and Crosswalk Community Church in Napa. Officials Tuesday indicated the church shelter was full.

Animals were being taken at the Napa County Animal Shelter on Hartle Court, with large animals to Solano College in Fairfield.

Road closures in the vicinity of the fire were numerous, including several stretches of Highway 121 and Highway 128.

Also in Napa County, the 3,000-acre Partrick fire still had mandatory evacuations for Partrick Road, Carneros Inn, Old Sonoma Road from Buhman to Henry and Henry to Dealy and Duhig roads at Las Amigas, and Las Amigas at Cuttings Wharf.

As of Tuesday morning 467 people were working on the fire including 50 engines, seven helicopters, four dozers and six water trucks.

Check back for details.

Staff Writer Nick Rahaim contributed to this report.

You can reach Staff Writer Randi Rossmann at 707-521-5412 or randi.rossmann@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter on rossmannreport.com.