Wind-Driven Fires Burn California Wine Country

Image: PHOTO: California wildfire (photo via Flickr/Bureau of Land Management California)
Image: PHOTO: California wildfire (photo via Flickr/Bureau of Land Management California)
Janeen Christoff
by Janeen Christoff
Last updated: 4:59 PM ET, Mon October 9, 2017

It's harvest time in California's wine country, and wineries were planning festivals and events in honor of the season.

However, many of those celebrations are on hold, putting the breaks on tourism to the Napa and Sonoma wine valleys.

Several wind-driven fires are burning out of control in the region, and California governor Jerry Brown has declared a state of emergency for Napa, Sonoma and Yuba counties.

"These fires have destroyed structures and continue to threaten thousands of homes, necessitating the evacuation of thousands of residents," said the governor. "These fires have damaged and continue to threaten critical infrastructure and have forced the closure of major highways and local roads."

[CALLOUT]

According to a report in the Sacramento Bee, more than 1,500 structures have been destroyed and 20,000 people have been evacuated.

Fourteen large-scale fires are currently burning in the region, and Cal Fire has noted that the estimates with regards to the destruction are likely conservative. There are more than eight counties currently dealing with blazes.

At least one person lost their life as the Redwood Complex Fire snatched up 4,500 acres in flames.

The city of Santa Rosa, a popular hub for wine enthusiasts, is facing some of the worst damage from the fires.

"We've seen major devastation of several neighborhoods of Santa Rosa, both residential and commercial," Chris Coursey, Santa Rosa mayor told the Sacramento Bee. "The city has never seen anything like this."

[READMORE]READ MORE: Plane Fills with Smoke at California Airport[/READMORE]

One of the biggest problems in Sonoma County is the Tubbs Fire.

According to reports, the Hilton Sonoma Wine County on Round Barn Boulevard has been completely engulfed in flames as well as a nearby K-Mart. The Fountaingrove Inn also appeared to have been damaged in the fire.

Two hospitals have also reportedly been evacuated and are "no longer operational."

Many area roads are also closed, including Highway 37 and Highway 12.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Watch Now!
Discover Houston, A World in a CityMonday, June 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Visit Houston for an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations....
Upcoming Webinar
Why Cruise, When You Can CunardWednesday, June 24 2026
2:00pm Eastern
When cruise is the option, Cunard is the difference. This session explores what sets the Cunard...
Upcoming Webinar
July AAT Kings WebinarTuesday, July 7, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Watch Now!
Discover Houston, A World in a CityMonday, June 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Visit Houston for an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations....
Upcoming Webinar
Why Cruise, When You Can CunardWednesday, June 24 2026
2:00pm Eastern
When cruise is the option, Cunard is the difference. This session explores what sets the Cunard...
Upcoming Webinar
July AAT Kings WebinarTuesday, July 7, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!