Cold Fire near Lake Berryessa grows to 4,000 acres, threatens homes and PG&E lines
A wildfire burning near Lake Berryessa grew to 4,000 acres Wednesday morning and was threatening homes and Pacific Gas and Electric Co. power lines after the flames ignited Tuesday and prompted an evacuation of Canyon Creek Resort and Golden Bear Estates in Winters, fire officials said.
The Cold Fire, burning off Highway 128 west of Pleasants Valley Road near the Yolo-Solano county line, started shortly after 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The fire, named after a nearby road, was zero percent contained as of 9 p.m. Tuesday, but by Wednesday morning was considered 5 percent contained after several hundred firefighters and other personnel responded.
By Wednesday morning, roughly 700 people used 86 fire engines, eight helicopters, six air tankers, five water tenders and nine bulldozers to battle the blaze, according to Cal Fire.
Officials said the fire’s growth slowed overnight as winds decreased, but that it continued to move north between Lake Berryessa and Interstate 505 in rugged grass and oak woodland where access is difficult.
The spread of the fire into a more secluded area is positive, officials said, because it is not threatening as many homes.
An evacuation order was issued for Canyon Creek Resort, an RV, cabin and tent-camping site, said Cal Fire spokesman Daniel Berlant.
Officials said warming weather conditions on Wednesday could exacerbate the spread of the fire in already dry, drought-stricken areas.