California wildfires deaths rise

Wildfires tearing through California’s wine country flared up yesterday as authorities raised the death toll to 17 and warned the number is expected to rise.

At least 3,500 homes and businesses have been destroyed since the wildfires started on Sunday, making them the thirdmost deadly and destructive blazes in state history.

Nearly three days after the flames ignited in northern California, firefighters were still unable to gain control of the blazes, which were growing in number.

Officials said 22 wildfires were burning yesterday, up from 17 on Tuesday.