How Bad Are the Napa and Sonoma Fires? Should I cancel my Trip 2019?
Local Wally
Kincade Fire Nearly Contained as of 11-5-2019
Photo: Josh Edelson, AFP Via Getty Images
11-5 Update on the Sonoma Kincade Fire
The fire is nearly contained and things are getting back to normal - despite the 3rd earthquake in the past week. But don’t worry, if you are planning a trip to Napa or Sonoma just keep the plans and come on in - the wines are pouring and everyone in the industry is looking forward to your visit.
10-30 Update on Sonoma Kincade Fire
The Kincade Fire has scorched 76,825 acres and is only 30 percent contained as it continues its destructive path across Sonoma County, This morning is a critical time for firefighters as gusty winds pick up.
Napa remains fine though planned power outages are having impact on visitors this week. If you are coming I would stick to the plan and not postpone but would recommend you call each winery the day before and the day of visiting to make sure they have power.
AS OF THIS MORNING RIGHT NOW THE SKIES IN NAPA ARE BLUE AND THE POWER IS ON. Here is a photo taken just a few minutes ago - 10-30-2019 at 19:00 AM
It goes without saying that our thoughts and prayers go out to our Sonoma neighbors and fire fighters. But if you are visiting Napa I would still come. The last fire had a devastating effect on the tourist economy and was deeply felt by the wineries, restaurants, and many small business owners as visitors stayed away thinking that Napa was burned to the ground. The Sonoma fire is serious but Napa is largely unaffected, as is the bulk of Sonoma. Feel free to email me if you have questions or concerns.
Wally
10-29 UPDATE
The Kincade Fire has spread to 75,415 acres and is 15 percent contained. Of the 124 structures destroyed, Cal Fire says 57 are homes. Of the 23 structures damaged, officials say 15 are homes.
Winds eased overnight, but firefighters have concerns about gusty winds that are expected to pick up this afternoon.
Last night, Cal Fire issued an evacuation warning for parts of Lake County due to the Kincade Fire, including Twin Pine Casino in Middletown.
Meanwhile, some evacuation orders have been downgraded for parts of western Sonoma County, including Bodega, Bodega Bay, Carmet, Muniz Ranch, Sebastopol, Occidental, Freestone, Camp Meeker, Forestville, Rio Nido, Hacienda, Monte Rio, Cazadero, Guerneville and Valley Ford.
OCT 28 UPDATE ON SONOMA KINCADE FIRE 2019
The Sonoma Kincade fire is now in its 5th day with only 5% containment. Most of the destruction is on the Sonoma side towards Geyserville but Calistoga is now nearing evacuation.
Evacuation for Sonoma Kincade fire as of 10-28, 2019
How is Napa Valley Impacted by the Sonoma Kincade Fire? Should I Cancel my Trip?
Tough call as I don’t want to send you into a fire area but Napa Valley is marginally impacted, mainly forced power outages and reduced air quality. However, here is a photo of Napa taken 10-27-2019. As you can see the fires are having minimal impact but you will want to keep an eye on this if you are coming this week, especially if you are staying towards Calistoga. The best source is your hotel - call them before you jump on the plane.
I’ve been getting emails from people asking if they should cancel their November plans and I think in that case I would not - a lot can happen in a few days and it would be unthinkable that the fires will still be raging another week or more. So be calm, stay on top of the news, but don’t cancel just yet.
Napa is marginally impacted by the fires in Sonoma.
UPDATE FROM 10-25: Fires are raging in the northern section of Sonoma - if your plans were to visit the Healdsburg or Geyserville section of wine country you might want to reconsider.
Note where Calistoga is, the north tip of Napa Valley
But What About Napa and the Fires? Should I cancel My Trip? How Bad is It?
While fires can swiftly change, as of this morning the skies are blue and everyone is cautiously optimistic about the impact to Napa Valley. So if you have a trip planned just keep an eye on things but don’t cancel! Everything should be fine and if the air quality later isn’t perfect remember that the wine will be.
Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the people impacted by the fires and to our fire fighters keeping the blaze in check. We love you guys.