A screenshot of a video of the California wildfire, which has destroyed over 1,500 buildings. (Source: Twitter/NBC News)
Fast-moving wildfires have been destroying building throughout the Napa area of Northern California, spurring evacuations from the area, affecting at least 44,000 acres of land early Monday.
‘Most of the people are leaving their homes. This is a big event.’
The fire has become so widespread that Governor Jerry Brown has issued an emergency proclamation for three counties: Napa, Sonoma and Yuba counties.
“These fires have destroyed structures and continue to threaten thousands of homes, necessitating the evacuation of thousands of residents,” as the proclamation said.
“These fires have damaged and continue to threaten critical infrastructure and have forced the closure of major highways and local roads.”
It does not seem like the wildfires will be contained or stop anytime soon
No deaths have been reported as of yet, but people have been treated for injuries related to the fire at local hospitals. The three evacuation centers for people affected by the fire are Calistoga Fairgrounds, Napa Valley College and Crosswalk Community Church, but authorities have said that all three places are full. So far, there haven’t been any known issues with people who are unwilling to evacuate the area. According to Napa County Sheriff John Robertson, “Most of the people are leaving their homes. This is a big event.”
According to the LA Times, at least 1,500 buildings, including homes and businesses, have been destroyed. With local officials trying to control the fires, amid high winds and hot, dry weather, there is little sign of the fires ending anytime soon. A lack of resources, combined with humidity levels, are also reportedly complicating issues for firefighters. “As of right now, with these conditions, we can’t get in front of this fire and do anything about the forward progress,” said County Fire Chief Barry Biermann in a statement.
