Napa County Snell Fire burns 1,900 acres, forces evacuations

A wildland fire in unincorporated Napa County has burned 1,900 acres since igniting on Saturday, forced evacuations and road closures and threatened 180 structures, state fire officials said.

The Snell Fire in grassy woodlands seven miles southeast of Middletown near Butts Canyon Road and Snell Valley Road was first reported at 2:25 p.m. Saturday. By Sunday morning, the fire was 10 percent contained, according to Cal Fire.

Mandatory evacuation orders were given for residents on the west side of Berryessa Knoxville Road from Pope Creek Bridge to the Lake-napa County line, Snell Valley and all roads to Snell Valley and Berryessa Estates, authorities said. Several roads in the area were closed.

Cal Fire reported 480 personnel from Cal Fire, Napa County Fire, the Napa County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol and Caltrans are assisting in the firefight.

An evacuation center has been set up at the Pope Valley Farm Center on Chiles Pope Valley Road. ruled out hazardous materials, however, the investigation continues,” the fire department said in an update.

The incident was reported just after 8 p.m. in the 31100 block of San Timoteo Canyon Road, in an unincorporated area north of Moreno Valley.

The Beaumont Police Department provided a bus to transport patients.