A fire broke out in the Northern California, Which lead one person dead and the others severely injured.
A state of emergency has been declared in Napa, Sonoma, Yuba counties and north of San Francisco Bay.
A state of emergency has been declared in Napa, Sonoma, Yuba counties and north of San Francisco Bay.
They are among eight counties affected by 14 major fires, which have burned through more than 49,000 acres and destroyed over an estimation of 1,500 homes.
There were Immediate evacuations of over 20,000 people late on Sunday but some residents found that the escape roads were blocked by downed trees and flames.
There were Immediate evacuations of over 20,000 people late on Sunday but some residents found that the escape roads were blocked by downed trees and flames.
Flames devastate a structure as nearby homes burn in the Napa wine region
The death occurred in Mendocino County, but California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection director Ken Pimlott had earlier said that there would likely be more fatalities.
The two who are seriously injured have severe burns and are in a critical condition in hospital.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle. more than 100 people have been treated for injuries, including burns and smoke inhalation, at hospitals in Napa and Sonoma counties.
A house burns in the Napa wine region, one of many counties being affected
In Napa County, fire chief Barry Biermann said the fires had burned more than 68 square miles but crews were struggling to control the flames.
He added: "Right now, with these conditions, we can't get ahead of this fire and do anything about the forward progress."
The largest city in the fire area is Santa Rosa, with a population of about 175,000. There, houses and business were ruined, schools were closed and two hospitals were forced to evacuate hundreds of patients.
A Hilton Hotel was among the buildings that were left in ruins.
A barn on fire in Sonoma County, where a state of emergency has been declared
Jeff Okrepkie, who had lived in his Santa Rosa home for five years now, had fled but was later sent a photo of what remained of his home: a heap of burnt metal and debris.
He told Associated Press: "We live in the valley, where it's concrete and strip malls and hotels and supermarkets.
"The last thing you think is a forest fire is going to come and wipe us out."
Smoke was thick in San Francisco, around 60 miles south of the fire in Sonoma County.
The death occurred in Mendocino County, but California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection director Ken Pimlott had earlier said that there would likely be more fatalities.
The two who are seriously injured have severe burns and are in a critical condition in hospital.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle. more than 100 people have been treated for injuries, including burns and smoke inhalation, at hospitals in Napa and Sonoma counties.
A house burns in the Napa wine region, one of many counties being affected
In Napa County, fire chief Barry Biermann said the fires had burned more than 68 square miles but crews were struggling to control the flames.
He added: "Right now, with these conditions, we can't get ahead of this fire and do anything about the forward progress."
The largest city in the fire area is Santa Rosa, with a population of about 175,000. There, houses and business were ruined, schools were closed and two hospitals were forced to evacuate hundreds of patients.
A Hilton Hotel was among the buildings that were left in ruins.
A barn on fire in Sonoma County, where a state of emergency has been declared
Jeff Okrepkie, who had lived in his Santa Rosa home for five years now, had fled but was later sent a photo of what remained of his home: a heap of burnt metal and debris.
He told Associated Press: "We live in the valley, where it's concrete and strip malls and hotels and supermarkets.
"The last thing you think is a forest fire is going to come and wipe us out."
Smoke was thick in San Francisco, around 60 miles south of the fire in Sonoma County.
