California wildfires destroy thousands of homes and businesses

World Today

Homeowner Martha Marquez looks over her burned home in Santa Rosa, California on October 10, 2017. Firefighters encouraged by weakening winds were battling 17 large wildfires on Tuesday in California which have left at least 13 people dead, thousands homeless and ravaged the state’s famed wine country. / AFP PHOTO / JOSH EDELSON

Hundreds of firefighters have been deployed to Northern California’s wine country to help battle raging wildfires. At least 15 people have died so far, and more than 100 are missing.

CGTN’s Mark Niu reports from Santa Rosa, California.

At least 14 fires burned across eight counties of Northern California with Napa Valley and the city of Santa Rosa the hardest hit. Hotels, vineyards and schools all burned to the ground. More than 2,000 homes and buildings were destroyed, forcing thousands to flee to shelters.

It’s a surreal site for neighborhoods in Santa Rosa, where people are walking around surveying the aftermath and checking that their homes are okay. 

Many are frustrated that authorities will not allow them to go back into their homes, as the fires continue to spread.

Hundreds of people are still reporting missing. Communities are holding out hope that the main reason is because power is down in so many areas.