Napa County Sees Rare Pre-April Wildfire

The Sunny Fire burned 12 acres, the 7th such early-season blaze in the region since 1950.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:49pm

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A wildfire that scorched 12 acres in Napa County over the weekend was an unusual pre-April occurrence, according to local Cal Fire officials. The Sunny Fire, reported on March 28, was the 7th blaze of at least 10 acres to hit the region before the typical start of the fire season.

Why it matters

Early-season wildfires like the Sunny Fire are concerning, as they may signal a longer and more intense fire season ahead due to climate change and drought conditions. The Napa area is particularly vulnerable, with a history of devastating wildfires in recent years.

The details

The Sunny Fire was reported around 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, off Sunnyside Road in Deer Park. It was contained by that evening, with no injuries or property damage reported. Cal Fire says the last time a fire of at least 10 acres occurred in their jurisdiction before April was the 21-acre Alpine Fire in March 2022.

  • The Sunny Fire was reported on March 28, 2026.
  • The last pre-April fire of 10+ acres was the Alpine Fire on March 1, 2022.

The players

Cal Fire

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the state's fire agency that responded to and reported on the Sunny Fire.

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What’s next

Fire officials are urging residents and visitors to be cautious during the warm, dry conditions and avoid any activities that could spark additional blazes.

The takeaway

The Sunny Fire highlights the growing threat of climate change, as early-season wildfires become more common in California. This incident underscores the need for proactive fire prevention and preparedness measures to protect Napa County communities.