Relentless California fires rage for third day
SANTA ROSA, Calif. - A cluster of devastating wildfires that have killed at least 15 people and destroyed more than 2,000 homes and businesses raged virtually unchecked across the state’s treasured wine country for a third day Tuesday.
Tens of thousands of Californians fled their homes, many of them holing up in shelters that authorities said could be operating for several days. Power outages and cellphone disruptions added to the chaos amid the fastspreading blazes, prompting hundreds of missing persons reports.
The fires, fueled by dry grasses and brush, heat and low humidity, were fanned by high winds. Conditions improved somewhat Tuesday, said Jonathan Cox, a regional battalion chief for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
“Things have calmed down a bit, ... giving firefighters an opportunity to construct some lines and get some containment,” Cox told KTVU in Oakland, warning that “anything can change in an instant with these winds.”
Cal Fire said the string of fires ignited Sunday and Monday, burning more than 73,000 acres and making Monday one of the most destructive wildfire days in California history. The most damaging is the Tubbs Fire, a 27,000-acre inferno responsible for most of the deaths and destruction.
More than 100 people have been injured in the blazes, and authorities say they expect the death, injury and damage tolls to rise. Many neighborhoods swallowed up by the flames had yet to be reached by firefighters or evacuated residents.
Among the victims were Charles Rippey, 100, and his wife of 75 years, Sara Rippey, 98, who were unable to escape their burning home at the Silverado Resort in Napa.
Wineries took a hit. Paradise Ridge Winery in Kenwood, 10 miles east of Santa Rosa, confirmed on Facebook that its facility was consumed by the flames.
“All the Byck family and Paradise Ridge team is safe,” the winery said. “Our hearts go out to all who have lost their homes and businesses. We are strong and will rebuild.”
More than 1,500 homes and businesses burned Monday and more were burning overnight, according to Cal Fire.