Hard To Reach Marsh Fire In American Canyon Neighborhood Prompts Evacuation Order

NAPA VALLEY, CA — Flames forced the temporary evacuation near the Napa-Solano county line, prompting road closures before firefighters stopped a 5-acre vegetation fire.

The blaze spread from a vehicle fire into grass and brush in American Canyon, where difficult terrain slowed firefighters' access.

The fire was reported shortly Saturday afternoon behind Dutch Flat Road after a vehicle caught fire in marshland, according to the American Canyon Fire Protection District.

Authorities ordered residents on Knightsbridge Way to evacuate up to Chaucer Lane, along with residents on Kensington Way from Northrup Lane to Chaucer Lane.

The evacuation order remained in effect for about two hours before police cancelled it at approximately 2:58 p.m.

Firefighters requested a CAL FIRE helicopter and additional air resources because wetlands limited ground access.

"Due to difficult access, the fire continues to burn," the American Canyon Fire Protection District said shortly before 2 p.m. "Smoke and ash will be visible for the immediate future."

The fire burned about 5 acres and spread at a moderate rate through marsh vegetation, according to the fire district.

At 3:35 p.m., authorities closed Meadow Bay Drive at Kimberly Drive and Meadow Bay Drive at Marla Drive while crews continued suppression efforts. By 4:32 p.m., CAL FIRE released its aircraft after firefighters eliminated threats to structures.

Authorities reopened roads at about 4:54 p.m., although emergency personnel continued working in the area and asked motorists to use caution.

The American Canyon Fire Protection District later said firefighters contained the blaze to about 5 acres. CAL FIRE crews remained on scene watching for flare-ups.