NAPA COUNTY, Calif. – Because of the Rocky fire in neighboring Lake County, Knoxville Wildlife Area is closed to all public use until further notice to allow safe access for emergency vehicles.

The closure affects Knoxville-Berryessa Road north of Pope Canyon Road.

It is unknown when the wildlife area will be safe to reopen.

"We are hopeful that the wildlife area will reopen before the Saturday deer opener, but it's impossible to say at this time," said Conrad Jones, a senior environmental scientist at Knoxville. "Safety is our first priority, and we are cooperating with emergency responders who are working hard to get this fire under control."

Interested members of the public can call 707-944-5547 for updates on the closure. The message will be revised as more information becomes available.

The public can also monitor the status of the fire at www.fire.ca.gov/general/firemaps.php .

Please note that on the webpage, Knoxville-Berryessa Road is referred to as Morgan Valley Road in the road closure section.