Firefighting Plane Drops Retardant Over Napa County Blaze As Flames Slow

An air tanker dropped a long line of pink fire retardant over the Steele Fire as firefighters continued working to contain the blaze.

The aircraft released the retardant across a ridge above a burned hillside, where smoke remained visible among blackened trees and grass.

The fire’s progression has slowed, while air and ground resources are utilizing existing dozer lines and fire department access roads.

The Steele Fire started near Steele Canyon Road south of Lake Berryessa, burning through steep terrain in an area affected by previous fire.

An evacuation warning issued earlier in the day was lifted after forward spread stopped.