MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Firefighters spent late Friday afternoon battling a wildland fire on the outskirts of Middletown.
The fire was first reported off of Calistoga and Callayomi streets shortly after 3:15 p.m., according to radio traffic.
Cal Fire Battalion Chief Greg Bertelli said shortly before 5 p.m. that the fire was at about five acres, with 70 percent containment.
Bertelli said the fire was located in the dry bed of St. Helena Creek at the end of Callayomi Street.
Specifically, that area is located behind Perry's Deli and Star Gardens, according to witnesses at the scene.
Due to very erratic winds, the fire ran both directions of the creek, Bertelli said.
Cal Fire sent a full wildland response of engines and air resources, with South Lake County Fire also responding, Bertelli said.
Bertelli said 10 structures were threatened, but firefighters were able to provide structure defense and keep the fire in the creek drainage.
Two air tankers, Cal Fire's Copter 104 and an air attack were helping to fight the fire from the air, according to Bertelli.
Shortly before 5 p.m., Bertelli released the two air tankers but the helicopter was being kept close by, with the air attack also remaining overhead to monitor the fire.
As for getting the fire under full control, “Things are looking good,” Bertelli said, although he remains concerned due to dry conditions and unpredictable wind patterns.
Additional information about the fire will be posted as it becomes available.
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