Escaped Burn in Solano County

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On June 8, 2026, Cal Fire set out to conduct a long-skinny, prescribed burn along Highway 128 west of Winters, California, to create a fuel break between Pleasants Valley Road west toward Lake Berryessa. The fire, which was intended only for a narrow strip along the highway, escaped, ran up the hill, and by sunset, had burned about 400 acres.

The burned area has a history of frequent fires, often due to roadside ignitions. The burn aimed to reduce roadside fuels and prevent future human-caused wildfires. The discussion also touched on the pressure on burn bosses to meet targets and the impact of drought on fire frequency and severity.

AI-Generated Summary

  • Zeke Lunder introduces the topic of the day, an escaped burn incident that occurred on Highway 128 near Winters, California.
  • He explains the context of prescribed burning season in Chico, California, and the nature of prescribed fires.
  • Zeke highlights the unpredictable nature of fire and the challenges of controlling prescribed burns.
  • He mentions the geographical features of the area, including the wrinkly mountain ranges of the California Coast Range, on the west side of the Sacramento Valley, and how this unique terrain can funnel and concentrate winds in the gaps where drainages cut thru the mountains.

Geographical Context and Fire History

  • Zeke describes the location of the fire, near Lake Berryessa, north of the Bay Area and east of the wine country.
  • He explains the geological history of the area, and the faulting that shapes the landscape.
  • The fire history of the area is discussed, with Zeke noting that the region experiences frequent fires, often due to roadside ignitions.
  • He emphasizes the importance of mitigating fire hazards by reducing fuel along roadsides to prevent roadside starts.

Challenges of Prescribed Burning

  • Zeke discusses the technical challenges of prescribed burning, including the difficulty of holding midslope control lines.
  • He compares the situation on Highway 128 to other areas like Highway 36 (Tehama County), where gentler slopes reduce the threat of uphill runs if the fire escapes.
  • The risks of losing control of a grass fire on slopes are highlighted, with Zeke noting the importance of quick action to contain spot fires.

Weather Conditions and Fire Behavior

  • Zeke examines the weather data from nearby locations, noting that the winds were slightly higher than previous days, but not markedly so.
  • He discusses the impact of wind on fire behavior, explaining how even a slight increase in wind can lead to a fire escaping.
  • The fire’s behavior is described, including its movement up the hill and the challenges of controlling it.

Lessons Learned and Future Considerations

  • Zeke reflects on the lessons that can be learned from the escape burn incident, emphasizing the need for thorough after-action reviews.
  • He discusses the potential benefits of larger burn projects, which can be safer to execute and more effective than smaller ones.
  • The challenges of balancing fire safety with the needs of ranchers and the community are highlighted.
  • Zeke mentions the pressure on burn bosses to complete projects before the fire season begins, which can lead to decisions that push the limits of safety.

Impact of Drought and Fire Trends