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8,000-acre wildfire north of Napa Valley prompts evacuations

The Columbian
Published: July 30, 2015, 5:00pm

LOS ANGELES — A fast-moving brush fire burning north of Napa Valley that has destroyed structures swelled to 8,000 acres Thursday, prompting 500 people to evacuate.

The Rocky fire began at 4:10 p.m. near Morgan Valley and Rocky Creek roads, 62 miles north of Napa and traveled at a rapid rate, spreading into heavy brush and woodlands, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

As flames consumed trees, embers flew miles ahead and pushed the fire forward, fire officials said. Residents along Morgan Valley Road were ordered to evacuate and seek shelter at a nearby senior center.

Fire officials said flames destroyed several outbuildings.

The blaze is one of 14 large wildfires burning in California.

Hot temperatures and gusty winds allowed fire activity to pick up Wednesday afternoon in Northern California.

Cal Fire says five wildfires grew rapidly and threatened homes because of dry brush, parched trees and windy conditions.

Meanwhile, the Wragg fire off California 128 in Lake Berryessa continued to burn, consuming 7,500 acres.

The fire, which is 80 percent contained, began July 22 and destroyed two outbuildings, and three other structures and a home were damaged. Because the fire is still active, 200 residents in Mix Canyon, Sky Ranch Road, Wild Horse Canyon Road and Blue Ridge Road were ordered to evacuate.

The Willow fire, which is 30 percent contained, has charred 2,077 acres in North Fork, an unincorporated community 40 miles northeast of Fresno.

The blaze is burning in steep, rugged terrain covered in thick, dense brush and dead trees. Because the fire is burning in a heavily wooded area that is hard to reach, a direct attack is no longer possible and is unsafe for firefighters, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

On Wednesday, Cal Fire entered the firefight to provide additional protection.

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