Wildfire explodes across Wine Country as firefighters battle strong winds and steep hills

Firefighters are fighting a fast-moving wildfire that erupted near the edge of Northern California’s Wine Country, where strong winds and rugged terrain helped flames race across hundreds of acres and threaten nearby homes.The Putah Fire ignited shortly after 11:30 a.m.Monday along Highway 128 west of Winters, near the Solano-Yolo county line and northeast of Napa Valley.The blaze quickly spread through dry grasslands near Lake Berryessa, prompting evacuation warnings, road closures and concerns for structures in its path.As of Tuesday morning, the fire had burned 362 acres and was 20% contained, according to CAL FIRE.

Authorities said the cause remains under investigation.The wildfire broke out in the same area where a prescribed burn had been scheduled for Monday.State records show the planned operation covered about 45 acres along Highway 128 and was intended to reduce vegetation in an area dominated by native grasses, non-native grasses and yellow star thistle.

Officials have not said whether the wildfire was connected to the prescribed burn.In radio dispatch traffic, the incident commander overseeing the planned burn reported a small vegetation fire burning uphill shortly after the blaze was discovered.The fire rapidly expanded as crews battled difficult conditions on steep hillsides.Weather forecasts prepared for the burn area had warned of gusty west winds, with afternoon gusts reaching around 35 mph and stronger winds expected overnight.

Those conditions raised concerns about rapid fire spread in the dry vegetation surrounding Lake Berryessa.California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.

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Never miss a story At the height of the incident, authorities issued evacuation warnings for communities including Golden Bear Estates and Bobcat Ranch, while Highway 128 was shut d...