Sonoma County's Point Fire

Northern Sonoma County was hit with an early season large wildfire, as have many places in the state. Here's the current status as I've been able to gather from news sources.

The fire hit fast while there were visitors as the local wineries
A couple tourists decided to take pictures before getting the heck out
image from San Francisco Chronicle / AP

The first day was a bad one

The fire started in a somewhat remote area of the county near a reservoir, Lake Sonoma. The cause of the fire hasn't yet been determined.

The winds quickly blew the fire southeast over a range of wooded hills to the doorstep of Dry Creek Valley, home to over 150 wineries. The fire threatens homes and wineries in the NE area of Dry Creek. There were structures lost. From looking at burn area maps it doesn't appear that any wineries were damaged. There was a message on social media from Hawley Winery saying firefighters made a stand and saved their property.

As of Tuesday morning, June 18th, 1,200 acres have burned, most of it rugged, wooded terrain. Containment of the fire is at 40%. It is hoped the worst is over.

Why the fire doesn't seem likely to do much damage within Dry Creek Valley.

The high winds of Sunday have dropped. This is the driving force that is threatening the valley floor where most wineries and grapes are located. The forecast is for lower winds. Thursday they are expected to turn from the hot dry NW winds to cooler, more humid SW Pacific Ocean breezes.

Grape vines act as a natural fire suppressant. While they're not completely fire-resistant, it's much better than the timber and dry grasses on the hillsides.

Fighting the fire in rugged terrain is tough other than from the air. The fire crews will set up their lines to protect homes and other structures on or near the valley floor.

Looking at the fire from a live web camera the fire is putting out much less smoke on Monday afternoon compared to the first day of the fire, Sunday.

What about the wine grapes?

It's too early to know what effect the smoke might have on certain vineyards. We'll have to wait to harvest to see if there's any smoke taint.

More info

The Santa Rosa Press Democrat keeps up to date if you want continuing information.