Napa Co. Fires: All Road Closures, Evacuation Orders Lifted

NAPA COUNTY, CA — As of 3 p.m. Tuesday, all evacuation orders and road closures related to the wildfires burning since Oct. 8 in Napa County have been lifted, according to a county news release. Napa County Spokeswoman Kristi Jourdan said motorists should be aware that traffic interruptions may exist because of fire and utility crews still working in the area.

"Some homes may not have utilities, including electric and gas," Jourdan said. "PG&E is working diligently to restore services."

Approximately 100 Napa County customers were still without power at noon Tuesday but the utility company was expecting the majority of those to have service by Tuesday night, according to PG&E Spokeswoman Brandi Merlo.

With nearly all electrical service restored and 100-percent of assessment within fire-impacted areas completed, Merlo said the temporary PG&E basecamp on Stanly Lane will be demobilized starting Wednesday.

"Crews are working to replace 802 poles, 62 cross arms, multiple transformers, insulators and other equipment as well as restring approximately 60 miles of wire," Merlo said.

While the majority of restoration efforts should wrap up by Wednesday, customers may see additional crews over the next three weeks assessing poles in the fire footprint that are not in need of immediate repair, she said.

"We would like to thank the community for its patience and understanding as our crews continue to work in and around the region," Merlo said.

PG&E has tips for electrical safety after a wildfire posted on its website.

For those whose homes or businesses were damaged in the fire, PG&E says it cannot restore permanent gas or electric services until the structures have been repaired or rebuilt and the county or city building inspector has approved service reactivation. Those in need of temporary power should contact their county or city building department for a permit, then submit an application by calling 877-743-7782. Those who identify themselves as living in a fire-impacted area will receive expedited service when calling the 877 number, Merlo said.

Photo 1: National Guard mans a road closure in North Bay wine country, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017. (Photo by Al Francis/Napasonomaphotos.com)

Photo 2: Calistoga Road between Santa Rosa and Calistoga is now open. The deadly Tubbs Fire burned along the north side of the main upvalley road that connects Santa Rosa and Napa Valley. A green fire retardant is seen along the roadway, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017. (By Al Francis/Napasonomaphotos.com)