Cal Fire reports 4 firefighters injured while fighting 60-acre wildfire in Napa County

Four firefighters were injured Wednesday while battling a 60-acre wildfire in Napa County, California, officials said.

The Crystal Fire, which was burning amid high heat, was about 65% contained by the evening, officials with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said. The four firefighters were being treated at local hospitals for injuries “related to response in the steep, rocky terrain and hot summer conditions,” fire officials said.

“They are all expected to make full recoveries,” Cal Fire officials said on social media.

Firefighters had been dispatched to the blaze on the east side of Napa County at about 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Cal Fire Division Chief Mike Wink said in a video update.

“This area had been previously burned by the Glass Fire in 2020, so the fuels were mostly a grassy oak woodland,” Wink said. “Not a lot of brush, it was very receptive to our north and west wind that we had this afternoon.”

Temperatures in the area reached about 101 degrees on Wednesday, he said. Twenty fire engines and other vehicles were expected to be on the scene fighting the fire overnight, fire officials said.

“CAL FIRE Law Enforcement was on scene and is investigating the cause,” officials said.

Cal Fire officials have reported that four firefighters were injured while battling a 60-acre wildfire in Napa County. The blaze, which broke out on Tuesday afternoon, quickly spread due to strong winds and dry conditions in the area.

The injured firefighters were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, with two of them suffering from burns and the other two from smoke inhalation. Their conditions are currently unknown, but they are said to be in stable condition.

The wildfire, dubbed the “Napa Fire,” has prompted evacuations in the area as firefighters work tirelessly to contain the flames. Cal Fire officials have deployed multiple air tankers and helicopters to assist in the firefighting efforts.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but officials believe it may have been sparked by a downed power line or other electrical equipment.

This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that firefighters face while battling wildfires. They put their lives on the line every day to protect communities and property from the devastating effects of these natural disasters.

As we enter peak wildfire season, it is important for residents to be vigilant and take precautions to prevent fires from starting in the first place. This includes properly disposing of cigarette butts, avoiding outdoor burning on windy days, and being mindful of any potential fire hazards on your property.

Our thoughts are with the injured firefighters and their families as they recover from their injuries. We are grateful for their bravery and dedication in the face of danger.