Napa is the county seat and largest city in Napa County, sitting only about 20 feet above sea level where the river of the same name winds south toward San Pablo Bay. Winters bring a long rainy season, summers are hot and dry, and the city has dealt with river floods, a damaging 2014 earthquake and repeated wildfire seasons.
Fire & Water Energy doesn't perform restoration; it refers callers to independent contractors. Call (866) 937-3230 and we will try to reach a provider that serves Napa, though we can't promise one is available. The how it works page and our disclosure statement give the full picture.
River floods, an earthquake and fire seasons
Wikipedia credits the 1986 river flood with renewing pressure for a fix; voters approved a sales tax in March 1998 to fund a flood project covering six miles of the river and a mile of a tributary creek. Even so, the river flooded downtown again in 2005. Average rainfall is about 31 inches, the rainy season runs from October into April, and December 1955 alone produced more than 16 inches.
On August 24, 2014, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake on the West Napa Fault damaged older downtown buildings, left 156 structures red-tagged and required repairs to 144 water mains. In October 2017 the Atlas and Partrick fires burned parts of the county. The county has been included in 12 FEMA major disaster declarations since 2000, among them wildfire declarations in 2017 (DR-4344) and 2020 (DR-4558 and DR-4569) and winter storm declarations in 2006, 2017, 2019 and 2023.
Wet-season leaks and broken pipes
With so much rain packed into a few months, roof leaks, failed flashing, overflowing gutters and seepage into crawl spaces are common winter problems. Nights occasionally dip below freezing, and the record low is 14°F, so exposed pipes and hose bibs are worth insulating. Earthquakes add another risk: shaking can crack supply lines, loosen water heater connections and break sewer laterals.
If you need water damage restoration here, a contractor will usually stop the source, test for hidden moisture under floors and inside walls, and then dry the structure. Our burst pipe water damage page covers what happens after a line splits.
Federal disaster declarations that included Napa County
FEMA records show Napa County was included in 12 major disaster declarations for weather or fire events from 2000 through 2026 (6 severe storm, 3 flood, 3 fire, by FEMA incident type). Declarations are made at the county level, so they do not mean every neighborhood in Napa was affected. The most recent:
- 2023 – Severe Winter Storms, Straight-line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides (DR-4699)
- 2023 – Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides (DR-4683)
- 2020 – Wildfires (DR-4569)
- 2020 – Wildfires (DR-4558)
- 2019 – Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides (DR-4434)
- 2019 – Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides (DR-4431)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries, retrieved 2026-10-10. Counts include major disaster (DR) declarations with hurricane, flood, severe storm, tropical storm, fire, tornado, coastal storm, winter or ice storm, mudslide and dam/levee incident types.
Water, fire or storm damage in Napa?
Call (866) 937-3230 and tell us what happened at your Napa property.
Wildfire smoke, ash and structure fires
Summer and fall heat, with temperatures reaching a record 114°F in September 2022, dries out the hills around the valley. Even homes the 2017 fires never reached could collect ash in attics, ducts and fabrics. After the 2014 quake, four homes at a mobile home park in the north of the city were destroyed by fire, a reminder that earthquakes and fire can arrive together.
Smoke damage cleanup often includes HEPA vacuuming of ash, surface cleaning matched to the residue, HVAC cleaning and deodorization. Ask contractors to explain what they will clean versus replace.
River high water and storm cleanup
Properties near the river, its creeks and the downtown Riverfront have the most direct flood exposure, while hillside lots can see runoff and mud, especially below burned slopes. Floodwater is treated as contaminated because it may carry sewage, fuel and agricultural chemicals.
Flood damage restoration usually means pumping out water and mud, removing soaked drywall and flooring, disinfecting and drying before rebuilding. Fallen trees and roof damage from winter storms may need storm damage cleanup too.
Mold during cool, damp winters
Winters here are described as cool and damp, which slows drying in crawl spaces and closed-up rooms. Materials soaked by river water or a hidden leak can grow mold in a day or two.
EPA guidance says a homeowner can typically clean mold covering less than about 10 square feet. For larger areas or any growth after floodwater, a contractor using containment and air filtration is the safer choice; see mold remediation.
Protecting yourself before cleanup
- Call 911 for fire, gas odor, downed power lines or injuries.
- After an earthquake, check for gas leaks and structural cracks before going back inside; stay out of damaged buildings until they are inspected.
- Follow evacuation orders during fires and floods and avoid driving through water.
- Shut off water at the main for plumbing leaks.
- Photograph everything and talk to your insurer or agent; flood and earthquake coverage often require separate policies, so review what yours includes.
Neighborhoods and nearby communities
Areas in and around Napa that callers often mention include:
- Downtown
- Napa Riverfront
- Alta Heights
- Westwood
- Linda Vista
Nearby communities with their own pages (straight-line distance from Napa):
Napa restoration FAQs
Does the river still flood downtown?
A flood project funded by a sales tax that voters approved in 1998 was designed to reduce flooding along the river and Napa Creek. Water still reached downtown in 2005, so homes near the channel should keep a flood plan and look into flood insurance options.
When is the rainy season in Napa?
Roughly October through April, sometimes into May. Average annual rainfall is about 31 inches, and some winters run far wetter, such as 1982 to 1983 with more than 50 inches.
Can an earthquake cause water damage?
Yes. The 2014 earthquake led to repairs of 144 water mains in the city, and shaking can also break household supply lines and water heater connections. Strapping water heaters and knowing where your shutoff is helps.
Do you have restoration crews based in town?
No. Fire & Water Energy only makes referrals and has no technicians of its own. Call (866) 937-3230 and we will try to connect you with an independent contractor serving Napa.
Restoration guides
- Flood Damage Restoration
- Water Damage Restoration
- Burst Pipe Water Damage
- Smoke Damage Cleanup
- Storm Damage Cleanup
- Mold Remediation