As the Pickett Fire continues to burn, our profound gratitude goes to the more than 2,000 firefighters, CAL FIRE crews, and mutual aid partners from across California working tirelessly to protect lives and homes.
At Napa Valley Community Foundation, we know disasters can strike anywhere, anytime. Our Napa Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund has been activated repeatedly since its launch in the wake of the 2014 South Napa Earthquake, and has distributed nearly $31 million in short and long-term assistance. While we are relieved that the Pickett Fire has not yet caused damage at a level that would warrant our activating the Disaster Relief Fund, we are prepared to flip the switch, if necessary, and are paying close attention to events on the ground as they unfold.
Indeed, this moment reminds us of the importance of staying prepared and vigilant. That’s why our Disaster Relief Fund also invests in programs that prevent disasters and prepare our community, like Napa Communities Firewise Foundation, Napa Valley Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD), for example. We deeply appreciate their work, and the work of dozens of our other Disaster Relief grantees, that make our community resilient and ready.
➡️ For alerts and recovery resources, visit Napa Valley COAD on Facebook.
Please continue to stay safe and keep our first responders in your thoughts.
The Bravery Behind the Pickett Fire Response
Sometimes a photo tells the story better than words ever could. Below, we share a glimpse of the bravery and dedication shown by CAL FIRE crews and mutual aid firefighters on the front lines in Calistoga and Angwin on Sunday, August 24, 2025.
These images capture just a fraction of the extraordinary effort that more than 2,000 first responders have poured into keeping our community safe.
About the Napa Valley Community Disaster Recovery Fund:
The Napa Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund has provided resources for short-term relief and long-term recovery to 55,000 individuals and families through multiple disasters, including the 2014 South Napa Earthquake, the 2017 Napa Fire Complex, and the 2020 Glass Fire, LNU Complex Fire, and Coronavirus pandemic.
To date, the Fund has distributed over $30 million in the form of direct financial assistance to survivors, and to pay for relief and recovery services like temporary shelter, meals, medical care, counseling, legal aid, and assistance in navigating insurance claims. The Fund is managed by NVCF and was established with a $10 million lead gift from Napa Valley Vintners following the 2014 South Napa Earthquake.