Fairgrounds Step Up As Base Camp For LNU Lightning Firefighters

CALISTOGA, CA —The Napa County Fairgrounds in Calistoga, typically a destination for carnivals, exhibits and entertainment, now is serving as Cal Fire's command hub for the LNU Lightning Complex Fires in Napa, Sonoma, Lake, Solano and Yolo counties.

More than 1,700 firefighters, including some from out-of state and a few inmate crews, National Guard and support staff are stationed at the grounds, as Cal Fire directs battling of what is now the second largest fire in California history, having burned nearly 352,000 acres, to date.

COVID-19 protocols are in place at the fairgrounds base camp, with an entrance tent for temperature checks and expanded spaces for dining and sleeping.

Get a behind-the-scenes look in a photo show from photographer Al Francis of NapaSonomaPhotos.com.

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A small crew of inmates head to dinner as part of the 1,700 firefighters stationed at the Napa County Fairgrounds in Calistoga.

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Cal Fire Mobile Communications Center.

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National Guard is assisting in fighting the LNU Complex fires.

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Out-of-state crews are helping with the fires.

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Firefighting check-in at the Napa County Fairgrounds in Calistoga.

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Mapping the fire.

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A fairgrounds exhibition hall now is used for morning briefings.

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Meal time at Cal Fire Command Center in Calistoga.

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Meal time at Cal Fire Command Center in Calistoga.

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COVID-19 screening required to enter the base camp.

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Front-gate visitors get information on the Napa- and Sonoma-area fires.

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