Toll Fire burns 50 acres; firefighters starting to turn the corner on containment

Evacuation orders for zones NPA-E113 and NPA-E103 in Napa County were downgraded to warnings shortly before 5:30 PM. photo credit: CalFire
Air support making a drop on the Toll Fire burning northeast of Calistoga on Tuesday, July 2.

Here's the latest information on that fire burning out of control in hills north east of Calistoga.

CalFire is reporting that the blaze, named the Toll Fire is now about 50-acres in size, and 10% contained. The agency says 300 firefighters are mobilized on scene.

Air attack and most helicopters were released by 4 P.M.

Firefighters appear on their way to gaining the upper hand. The app Watch Duty is reporting that the fire is being held to 50-acres as of early Tuesday afternoon.

The fire was first reported around 10 Tuesday morning.

Evacuation orders for zones NPA-E113 and NPA-E103 in Napa County were downgraded to warnings around 5:20 P.M., but remain active.

The evacuation warnings for zones NPA-E104 and NPA-E105 have been lifted.

The areas now under warning are all in hilly areas north east of Calistoga and bounded by highway 29 and Palisades road, and the region north of Old Lawley Toll Road and south and east of Highway 29 to Oat Hill Road.

CalFire says the areas under originally under evacuation and evacuation warning are home to about 115 people.

Half a dozen air tankers, along with a very large air tanker were requested this morning, according to Watch Duty. Early this afternoon, several air tankers were released or put on hold.

CalFire's Lake-Napa-Sonoma Unit reports that winds are picking up in the vicinity. The agency says it has 20 fire engines, five crews, five water tenders, two bulldozers, three helicopters and seven airplanes, including tankers, actively battling the blaze. Watch Duty says four helicopters are on scene.

The blaze reportedly has the potential to grow to 100 acres.

The entire region is under a red flag fire warning for extreme heat, low humidity and dry, off shore winds.

Burning debris from the fire is being carried by winds and sparking other small fires in the vicinity, according Watch Duty. Highway 29 remains open in both directions, according to Caltrans. Old Lawley Toll Road is closed in both directions, according to the Napa County Sheriff.

A Red Cross evacuation point is up and running at the Calistoga Community Center, 1307 Washington Street, Calistoga, according to Watch Duty.