As temperature hits 101, 2 firefighters injured in Napa-area Crystal fire

Two firefighters were injured while battling a Napa Valley fire that was 50% contained Wednesday evening.

The Crystal Fire broke out around 1:40 p.m. Wednesday in the Northern California community of Deer Park, about 25 miles northeast of Santa Rosa.

The fire grew to about 60 acres, with crews from neighboring St. Helena being the first to respond, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Ultimately, 19 fire trucks, two helicopters and 126 people responded to the fire.

Five firefighters were initially evaluated for their injuries. Two were taken to the hospital, according to Jason Clay, public information officer for Cal Fire's Sonoma Lake Napa office. Three other people were treated at the scene.

“We have no word on the two being transported to a local hospital,” Clay said.

Clay said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

“We have hot summer conditions here of 101 degrees with humidity around 36 percent, which are conducive to a fire,” he said. “The fire grew and grew, but we managed to bring it under control. »

The fire was classified as a 20-acre wildland fire in First Cal Fire update at 2:27 p.m..

Air tankers dropped fire retardants within hours, according to images provided by the agency.

Clay said firefighters made rapid progress by late afternoon, going from zero containment at 4 p.m. to 50% containment by 5 p.m.

“It’s not over yet, but the air and ground assets have really helped us gain the upper hand,” he said. “We’re looking to do even more.”