21 DEAD AS DOZENS OF FIRES RAGE

3,500 homes and businesses have been lost amid ‘pure devastation’

More than 3,500 homes and businesses have been destroyed across Northern California’s wine country as almost two dozen wildfires continued their assault on the region for a fourth day Wednesday.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said fire activity increased significantly overnight, destroying more buildings and forcing more mandatory evacuations.

Air rescue teams have plucked more than 50 people from roofs and mountaintops. Chris Childs of the California Highway Patrol said pets have been included in the rescues. He also cautioned that all evacuees must remain patient before returning to their homes.

“I know it’s a tough message to be told you cannot go back to your homes, but I ask for your patience as you deal with officers at those road closures,” Childs said.

Almost 200 square miles have burned since the fires began igniting Sunday.

The toll has been brutal: At least 21 dead, an estimated 3,500 homes, businesses and other buildings destroyed. Sonoma and Napa counties have taken the brunt of the damage.

The deadly wildfires raging through Northern California’s wine country are getting a destructive boost from high winds moving into the region, another blow to communities reeling from one of the most devastating fire events in U.S. history.

Thursday’s forecast isn’t expected to bring much relief. A “red flag” warning was issued because of the “very high fire danger,” the National Weather Service in Monterey, Calif., warned. High-elevation areas will see wind gusts in the 45- to 55-mph range, and valley areas should see gusts peaking at 20 to 30 mph, the weather service said.

“This is a serious, critical, catastrophic event,” Cal Fire Chief Ken Pimlott said. “It’s pure devastation, and it’s going to take a while to get out and comb through all this.”

At least 21 people have been killed. More than 3,500 homes and businesses have been destroyed across the wine country that has become a destination for visitors from around the globe.

Air rescue teams have plucked more than 50 people from roofs and mountaintops. Chris Childs of the California Highway Patrol said pets have been included in the rescues.

More than 250 square miles have burned since Sunday. More than 4,000 firefighters were battling the blazes.

AP Colby Clark (left), of San Francisco, comforts her mother, Bonnie Trexler.

AP Firefighting inmates are put to work clearing brush in Calistoga, California.

TREVOR HUGHES, USA TODAY Firefighter Paige Madrid sprays down an approaching fire near Kenwood, Calif., on Tuesday. Firefighters defend one home at a time, 2B.