More than a dozen wildfires are rapidly spreading across Northern California, killing at least ten people and forcing thousands to evacuate their homes.
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), the wildfires already burned over 73,000 acres. It destroyed over 1,500 homes and commercial structures. Many suffered injuries and an undetermined number of people were missing.
During a press conference, Cal Fire Director Ken Pimlott said the wildfires started around 10:00 in the evening (local time) on Sunday.
On Monday morning, California Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency in eight counties including Napa, Sonoma, Yuba, Butte, lake, Mendocino, Nevada, and Orange counties.
FEMA approves Gov. Brown’s request for federal assistance
In addition, Gov. Brown requested a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to support the state and local response to the wildfires.
