Wildfire Destroys Home, Barn in Napa Valley

October 13, 2008

Authorities say a rock struck by a car ignited a wildfire in California’s Napa Valley that destroyed a home and a barn and threatened several wineries.

The car’s driver tried to extinguish the fire when it broke out Friday afternoon, but strong wind in the hills near the town of St. Helena caused the fire to spread quickly.

Fire officials say the blaze burned 300 acres (120 hectares) in the hills by Saturday evening. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection says about 100 residents left their homes voluntarily the night before.

More than 1,500 firefighters were called in to battle the blaze. Full containment was expected Sunday.

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