A rapidly spreading wildfire in California's wine country has led to mandatory evacuation orders as firefighters work to control the blaze. The Pickett Fire, located in Napa County, has consumed approximately 6,531 acres since it ignited on Thursday afternoon, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

As of late Saturday night, the fire was reported to be 11% contained. The fire began around 3 p.m. local time near Calistoga, and the cause is still under investigation. Fire officials have utilized night-flying helicopters and drones to assist in firefighting efforts during the nighttime hours.

This wildfire is occurring in the same area that experienced the devastating Glass Fire in 2020, which burned over 11,000 acres. CalFire noted that “leadership with prior experience in this rugged terrain, specifically from the 2020 Glass Fire, has been instrumental in guiding effective suppression efforts.”

The Pickett Fire is exacerbated by a heat wave affecting parts of the West Coast. In Southern California, the extreme temperatures have raised fire danger levels, prompting red flag warnings for mountainous regions north of Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Firefighters continue to face challenges as they work to contain the blaze amid these conditions.