Numerous wildfires continue to set Northern California ablaze, forcing more than 20,000 to flee their homes.
Authorities have ordered new evacuations and the death toll climbed to 21 – a figure expected to rise higher still. There’s growing concern the fires could merge into larger, more destructive infernos.
CGTN’s Mark Niu toured one vineyard owner in Napa Valley.
Three days after the fires began, firefighters are still unable to gain control of the blazes that’s turned entire Northern California neighborhoods to ash and destroyed at least 3,500 homes and businesses.
Spoke to Santa Rosa woman who lost her home of 30 years &nearly all her possessions.Thankful to be alive so she can create new memories pic.twitter.com/hJjWJnCM2z
— Mark Niu (@MarkNiuWrite) October 11, 2017
The state’s top emergency officials estimate some 8,000 firefighters and other personnel are on hand to help battle the blazes and more resources are pouring in from Oregon, Nevada, Washington, and Arizona.
#AtlasFire from air. Resources pouring into this & many other fires from around CA, Western states. #oneteamonefight pic.twitter.com/geDeTH9JPa
— Cal OES (@Cal_OES) October 11, 2017
Crews are trying to restore mobile and internet connectivity to the Silverado Trail area – one of the hardest hit in Napa Valley. Silverado is still off-limits to residents. The opulent area is now filled with places that resemble a desert wasteland.
Napa Valley also has more than 200 wineries, some of which did not escape the flames.