As of Wednesday, the Point Fire -- which started Sunday above Dry Creek Valley near Stewarts Point-Skaggs Springs Road -- was 50% contained, according to the most recent data on Cal Fire's live incident page.

In the area south of Lake Sonoma, 328 residents were issued an evacuation order and 399 were given an evacuation warning, said Cal Fire spokesperson Chris Harvey.

These were in zones SON-2E2 and SON-2E3. Harvey confirmed Wednesday that the more than 1,100 firefighting personnel on scene weren't quite to the mop-up stage -- a term for when a fire has been contained and crews are working to extinguish the flames.

"They're still actively firefighting over there, but they do have a good line around it," he said. "The winds have calmed down a little bit today. We've also got some better temperatures today than we have had in the first 48 hours."

While he hoped crews would mop up in the next few days, he was hesitant to say they had turned a corner with a heat wave expected. Permit Sonoma Fire Prevention Division, the fire prevention branch of the county's permitting department, issued a release Tuesday declaring a ban on all open burning in unincorporated county land except for those who have been issued a permit by a Cal Fire official who had inspected the area.

Harvey said the different agencies that oversee different jurisdictions issue burn bans with varying levels of severity, but the multiple fire agencies throughout the area typically work in collaboration.

"It's not a real concern over who was the one that saying there's a burn ban; it's that all agencies have come to an agreement that there needs to be a burn ban," he said.

And while the burn ban doesn't prevent such activities as mowing lawns or riding off-road vehicles, which can both create sparks, Harvey highlighted the importance of public education when it comes to fire prevention. Towing trailers with dragging chains or improperly discarding barbecue ashes are some examples of how people can inadvertently cause a wildfire, he said.

"We're always actively trying to educate people about what not to do during times like this," he said.

In addition to burning 1,207 acres, the Point Fire has destroyed two buildings and injured one person. Burn restrictions will remain in effect until Cal Fire declares the end of fire season.

Permit Sonoma Fire Prevention Division further warned that anyone responsible for open burning without a valid written exemption from the burn suspension may be subject to a citation, fines and the cost of the fire agency response to extinguish the fire.

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The agency said at 3:20 p.m. that "there is an IMMEDIATE threat to life and property" in areas north of Lakeshore Blvd., south of Highway 20 and Point Lands Farm Road, east of Nice-Lucerne Cutoff Road and west of Collier Avenue and Lakeshore Blvd.

For those evacuated their homes, officials said a temporary evacuation point has been set at the Upper Lake High School gym on 675 Clover Valley Road in Upper Lake.

Areas on the north and south sides of Highway 20 and towards Deer Park are under evacuation warnings. Check all evacuation orders and warnings at this link.

The Scotts Fire burned 50 acres and is 15% contained, according to CAL FIRE.

At 4:54 p.m., the sheriff's office said forward progress was stopped and fire suppression crews were in the mop-up phase.

The Scotts Fire started around 2:08 p.m. and in the first two hours had grown to 50 acres with 0% containment, CAL FIRE said.

The fire is about 115 miles northwest of Sacramento and around 50 miles west of where the Sites Fire has been burning since Monday afternoon, in rural northwestern Colusa County.

Live cameras from ALERT California show helicopters making repeated trips to drop water over the flames.

CAL FIRE LNU maintains a helibase in Lake County and shared a video on X on Wednesday afternoon that shows the capabilities of the helicopters that are helping at the Sites Fire and other fires across the state.

The Aero Fire in Calaveras County also started on Monday afternoon and has been burning since.

Both the Sites Fire and Aero Fire, two of the largest wildfires so far this year in California, have low levels of containment.

Two of the most destructive of those fires are in Northern California.

The Point Fire in Sonoma County has burned about 1,200 acres while the massive Sites Fire in Colusa County has burned about 15,500 acres. While the Point Fire is about 50% contained, the Sites Fire is only 5% contained and has the potential to get exponentially larger, according to Cal Fire.

"Californians are seeing first-hand fires that have sparked across the state," Cal Fire said in a statement. "If June is any indication, 2024 looks to be a busy fire year."

In addition to the Sites and Point fires, the other big fires burning in California currently include the Post Fire near Gorman northwest of Los Angeles and the Aero Fire in Calaveras County. The Post Fire, which has burned more than 15,600 acres is "by far the most destructive of the active fires," according to Cal Fire. The Post Fire is 39% contained.

The Aero Fire has destroyed 5,351 acres and is 5% contained. Three-hundred-seventy firefighters with 43 engines have responded to the blaze with air tankers flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow, Cal Fire said.

"The Governor and the legislature are giving us the tools to fight the fire we expect to see, but all firefighters need to be on the alert," said Tim Edwards, President of Cal Fire Local 2881.

So far in 2024, there have been 2,156 wildfires which have burned more than 89,500 acres destroyed at least 22 structures, according to Cal Fire. Fires have spread quickly due to high winds, with many doubling overnight.

There have been no deaths this year in connection to the wildfires.

Bay Area air quality advisory extended

An air quality advisory issued for wildfire smoke, primarily from the Sites Fire, has been extended through Thursday, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District announced Wednesday. Smoke from the Sites Fire is expected to impact portions of Sonoma, Napa and Solano counties, the BAAQMD advised.

The wildfire ignited at 1:39 p.m. Monday in the area of Sites Lodoga Road and Stone Corral Avenue. Winds blowing between 10-20 mph and low relative humidity fueled the fire, Cal Fire officials said. A Red Flag Warning is in effect.

A dark plume and thick blanket of wildfire smoke could be seen on ALERT Wildfire's live camera at 11 a.m. Tuesday.

Air quality officials said drift smoke from the Sites Fire and Sonoma County's Point Fire was reported around the northern region of the San Francisco Bay Area. "Smoke mainly from the Sites Fire is expected to continue to impact portions of Sonoma, Napa and Solano counties through (Wednesday)," the Bay Area Air Quality Management District wrote.

Fire officials have not yet determined what sparked the Sites Fire.

Evacuation orders are in effect for the following locations:

• Leesville Lodoga Road South to Leesville Road

• Leesville to Huffmaster Road

• Huffmaster Road to Maxwell Sites Road

• Leesville Road to Antelope Valley Ranch and North from Antelope Valley Ranch

• Sites Lodoga Road at Sites

Containment rose from 20 percent to 40 percent between Monday night and Tuesday morning.

Firefighters are patrolling around homes, wineries, and ranches to provide structure protection. Four-hundred firefighters are battling the blaze, including 10 dozers on the ground and helicopters waging an air attack.

"The fire is under a north-west wind influence, so it's (active in) the southeastern portion. We are under red flag conditions," Cal Fire Assistant Chief Mike Wink told KRON4.

The Point Fire ignited at 12:33 p.m. Sunday in the area of Stewarts Point Skaggs Springs Road north of Healdsburg. A huge plume of dark smoke billowed up from burning brush and timber. First responders went door-to-door urging residents to leave evacuation zones.

Firefighters are making fast progress strengthening control lines lines. Cal Fire officials confirmed two homes were destroyed. They have not released a total number of structures destroyed by the Point Fire.

Sonoma County rancher Davey Door evacuated himself and his cattle after he saw spot fires ignite near his cattle pasture. Resident Bengt Akerlind said he evacuated as the wildfire spread toward his home. "It was close. I saw obviously intense smoke," Akerlind told KRON4. For a few hours he was unsure if his home was still standing.

Local residents were allowed through evacuation checkpoints on Tuesday to quickly retrieve some of their belongings. Evacuation orders, however, remain in effect.

Cal Fire LNU wrote on X, "Thanks to the strong work by firefighters over the last 24 hours and favorable weather conditions, containment on the fire is now up to 40% at 1,207 acres. Crews continue to fortify control lines and will begin heavy mop-up operations inside the perimeter."

Sonoma County officials declared a local emergency Monday night to request federal and state assistance.

An evacuation center set up at Laguna High School in Forestville shut down at noon Tuesday. People impacted by the Point Fire can call 211 for information and resources.

Evacuation Orders From Sonoma County Sheriff's Office:

Evacuation order for residents in Zone SON-2E2

• North and East of Chemise Road
• South of Stewarts Point-Skaggs Springs Road
• West of Dry Creek

Evacuation warning for residents in Zone SON-2E3

• North of Mill Creek Road
• South of Chemise Road
• East of Wallace Creek Road
• West of Dry Creek

KRON4 has reporters in Sonoma County near the Point Fire. This breaking news story will be updated.

"Conditions can change rapidly and the amount and location of smoke at ground level is hard to predict," the BAAQMD said.

Smoke from the fire could result in smoky, hazy skies with the smell of smoke possible. Air quality Monday into Tuesday could be in the Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range on the air quality index for parts of the North Bay.

"Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants," the BAAQMD said. "Exposure to wildfire smoke is unhealthy, even for short periods of time."

The agency recommends that residents limit exposure. If possible, residents should remain inside with windows and doors closed until smoke levels subside. Air conditioning and car vent systems should be set to re-circulate to prevent outside air from getting inside.

Wildfire smoke can cause irritation to eyes and airways, resulting in coughing, a scratchy throat and irritated sinuses, the BAAQMD said. The agency recommends that elderly people, children and those with respiratory illnesses take extra precautions to avoid exposure.

On Monday, the BAAQMD rolled out a new notification service, allowing people to sign up for email and text notifications about air quality incidents.

A Spare the Air alert is already in effect for Monday due to smoke from the Point Fire which erupted in northern Sonoma County Sunday.

According to the National Weather Service, wildfire smoke is a mix of gases and fine particles from burning vegetation and other materials. The weather service said the smoke can potentially travel hundreds of miles and even cause health concerns. 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says wildfire may lead to coughing, wheezing and trouble breathing. Stinging eyes, rapid heartbeat, chest pain and asthma attacks are the more severe symptoms. 

To mitigate health risks, here are recommendations from the NWS and the American Red Cross: 

• Stay indoors and keep windows closed
• Keep pets indoors as well
• When using air conditioning, keep the outdoor air intake closed and clean the filter to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside
• If you are outside, consider wearing a respirator (N95 or 9100 masks) to avoid exertion 
• Use a portable air cleaner
• Avoid lighting candles, fireplaces or gas stoves

The CDC provides an Air Quality Index chart.

Residents can monitor the air quality by entering their zip code at airnow.gov.

Gusty north winds are to reach as high as 30 mph and relative humidity as low as 10%. Parts of Napa, Sonoma, and Solano counties will be affected. See the full map of affected areas below.

A Red Flag Warning means dry and windy conditions will be present and lead to critical fire weather concerns. The warning advises citizens to "take action," the NWS said.

"NWS issues a Red Flag Warning, in conjunction with land management agencies, to alert land managers to an ongoing or imminent critical fire weather pattern," the agency said on its website. "NWS issues a Red Flag Warning when fire conditions are ongoing or expected to occur shortly."

Also in the North Bay, the Point Fire in Sonoma County has grown to at least 300 acres as of Sunday evening.

The smoke from this fire may impact the air quality in three North Bay counties: Napa Sonoma and Marin, according to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. You can check the air quality in your area HERE.

A Spare The Air alert was issued and goes into effect Sunday, June 16 until June 17. Officials say smoke from the Point Fire is impacting air quality in parts of the Bay Area. "Wood burning is banned. Avoid exposure by staying indoors, if temperatures allow," officials wrote.

NWS wrote several tips for citizens to use in wildfire prevention. The agency says most wildfires are caused by humans.

The wind-driven fire has since grown, and Cal Fire announced an evacuation order from Fall Creek Road to Stewarts Point Skaggs Spring Road to W Dry Creek Road (see map below).

As of 8 p.m. Sunday, the fire, named the Point Fire, was at approximately 550 acres. Thirty minutes later, the fire grew to 900 acres, Cal Fire said on X. Officials confirmed that multiple buildings had been destroyed. The exact number has not been determined at this time.

The fire is now at 1,100 acres, Cal Fire said Sunday night. As of 10 p.m., the fire remains at 20% contained.

Cal Fire said 50 engines, 12 hand crews, 10 dozers and 10 water tenders are being used for Point Fire for Monday. Cal Fire said the agency has ordered our type-1 helicopters and three fixed-wing aircraft to contain the fire. There are 400 personnel battling the fire as well, Cal Fire said.

There are no reports of injuries at this time. An evacuation center has been set up at Laguna High School in Forestville.

According to Cal Fire, there is potential for further spread of the fire.

According to the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office, here are the instructions given to the residents in the area.

Evacuation order for residents in Zone SON-2E2

• North and East of Chemise Road
• South of Stewarts Point-Skaggs Springs Road
• West of Dry Creek

Evacuation warning for residents in Zone SON-2E3

• North of Mill Creek Road
• South of Chemise Road
• East of Wallace Creek Road
• West of Dry Creek

Cal Fire posted a video (above) of the scene of the fire.

The Healdsburg Unified School District has canceled all of Monday's summer school classes due to the smoke and evacuations caused by the Point Fire, the school district said.

Residents in these areas should "calmly and quickly" evacuate, authorities said. First responders are going door-to-door to assist, the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office said.

Also in the North Bay, a Red Flag Warning will be in effect in high-elevation parts of the North Bay. The National Weather Service said the warning will be in effect on Monday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

A Spare The Air alert was issued and goes into effect Sunday, June 16 until June 17. Officials say smoke from the Point Fire is impacting air quality in parts of the Bay Area.

"Wood burning is banned. Avoid exposure by staying indoors, if temperatures allow," officials wrote.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned to KRON4 for updates.

Bay City News contributed to this report.

The wildfire was at San Felipe Road and Las Animas Road in San Jose, the department announced on X. 

The fire began around 8:24 a.m. on Saturday. This fire has been dubbed the Felipe Fire. 

According to the San Jose Fire Department, there are no structures involved at this time.  

This is a developing story. Stay tuned with KRON4 for updates.

KRON4 arrived at the scene around 6:30 p.m. and did not locate a fire. No other information was immediately available.

The Castro Valley incident marks the third fire Alameda County crews responded to within the last hour. Earlier, a 110-acre wildfire was reported east of Livermore.

Then, around 5:36 p.m., crews received a call about a grass fire on the 4100 block of Cross Road in Livermore. That fire was reported to be between 10 to 15 acres, according to ACFD.

This story will be updated.