Killer infernos rage through California
AT least 10 people are dead after more than a dozen wildfires whipped by powerful winds swept through California wine country.
Authorities said the blaze destroyed 1500 homes and businesses, sending thousands fleeing as flames raged unchecked through high- end resorts, grocery stores and tree- lined neighbourhoods.
As he fled through the ember- strewn streets of his neighbourhood in Santa Rosa, Jeff Okrepkie knew it was probably the last time he would see his home of the past five years standing.
His worst fears were confirmed on Monday morning, when a friend sent him a photo of what was left: a smouldering heap of burnt metal and debris.
“We live in the valley, where it’s concrete and strip malls and hotels and supermarkets,” Mr Okrepkie said. “The last thing you think is a forest fire is going to come and wipe us out.”
“It was an inferno like you’ve never seen before,” said Marian Williams, who caravanned with neighbours before dawn as one of the wildfires reached the vineyards and ridges at her small Sonoma County town of Kenwood.
Ms Williams could feel the heat of her fire through the car as she fled. “Trees were on fire like torches,” she said.
The flames were burning “at explosive rates” because of ( 80km/ h) winds, said Ken Pimlott, director of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Fourteen large fires were burning north of San Francisco, prompting Governor Jerry Brown to declare a state of emergency in Napa, Sonoma and Yuba counties.
It was unusual to have so many fires take off at the same time, fire officials said, though October has generally been the most destructive time of year for California wildfires.
The ferocity of the flames forced authorities to focus primarily on getting people out safely, even if it meant abandoning structures to the fire. The fire area covered more than 160sq km over eight counties.
Some of the largest blazes were in Napa and Sonoma counties, home to dozens of wineries that attract tourists from around the world.
Those fires sent smoke as far south as San Francisco, about 96km away. Fires also burned in Yuba, Butte and Nevada counties — all north of the state capital.
Police said the fires started about 10pm Sunday.