Napa Charges Winery Worker Over 7,000-Acre Pickett Fire as Losses Top $65 Million
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 29
Napa Charges Winery Worker Over 7,000-Acre Pickett Fire as Losses Top $65 Million
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 29
Summary
Napa County prosecutors charged Juan Luis Gutierrez Marfil, 45, with recklessly causing the 2025 Pickett fire, a felony that could bring up to three years in prison; he is due in court Sept. 9.
The blaze started Aug. 21 at or near Hundred Acre Wines in north Calistoga, where Marfil worked as a gardener, and burned more than 10 square miles before crews contained it over two weeks later.
At least $6 million in direct losses were tied to the fire, which destroyed five structures, triggered evacuation orders and warnings for hundreds, and hit wineries during peak harvest season.
Agricultural damage was estimated at $65 million, mostly to wine grapes, and three winemakers have already sued Hundred Acre's owner, alleging smoke ruined their harvests.
Hundred Acre said it would vigorously fight the lawsuit, calling the allegations about the fire's cause and liability unproven; a spokesman said Marfil was an independent contractor.