The rapidly moving Kincade fire destroyed the historic Soda Rock winery near Healdsburg in Northern California and “had Sonoma County wine country under siege,” the Los Angeles Times reported Sunday. “Structures in the famed wine country were burning, including some owned by wineries in the Alexander Valley.” Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a statewide emergency as fires burned thousands of acres throughout the state.
Seventeen fires have consumed more than 63,000 acres, or 99 square miles, in California, according to the newspaper. Kincade, ignited a few days ago, has charred 30,000 acres. Fire officials worried on Sunday that it would spread westward and cross U.S. 101 into an area of agricultural land used for growing wine grapes and continue to redwood forests in mountainous territory.
On its website, Soda Rock Winery dates its origin from 1869. “Soda Rock is the original site of the Alexander Valley general store and post office, and was once the central hub of activity for the valley.”
The Kincade fire was 10 percent contained as of Sunday afternoon. “Sustained winds with gusts of up to 60 mph were expected to continue throughout the day. The wind, combined with 80-degree temperatures and extremely low humidity, is making firefighting difficult,” said the San Francisco Chronicle. “Parts of Napa County, including Calistoga, are being warned of potential evacuations.”