Fire knocks out power in Napa County

A 36-acre vegetation fire closed Howell Mountain Road in Napa County, threatening homes and knocking out power to residences in Berryessa Estates and Pope Valley on Tuesday afternoon.

The blaze, at the intersection of Howell Mountain and Pope Valley roads, was first reported at 3:23 p.m., said CalFire Capt. Joe Fletcher. Initially, homes and businesses near the intersection of the roads were threatened by the flames, he said. Firefighters on the ground and in the air kept the flames away from the buildings despite challenging terrain and gusty winds, he said.

The 1700 block of Howell Mountain Road was closed due to the blaze around 3:45 p.m., according to the CHP. Firefighters were able to stop the fire's progress at shortly after 4 p.m., though Fletcher said crews will be tending the remains of the fire throughout the night.

About 220 residents in the Pope Valley and Berryessa Estates communities were expected to be without electricity until midnight, he said.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.