California Fires: At least 6 dead, tens of thousands flee multiple blazes

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02:23

California fire officials say they are making progress as they battle several blazes burning in northern California. Firefighters are focusing their efforts on saving lives and homes. At least six are confirmed dead, and 16 are reported missing. The fires have burned through more than a thousand structures, and 10 thousand homes still remain under threat. CGTN's Mark Niu has the details.

Firefighters continue to battle high winds and dry weather, attempting to gain control of a fire that's been described as very erratic. Behind the lines, other professions have had to carry on with brave faces, too. At least 50 health workers in the community have lost their homes, while many had to grab and go.

MICHELLE GAFFNEY, NURSE CALIFORNIA NURSES ASSOCIATION "There's ash everywhere. It got really cloudy."

Nurse Emily Harper and her husband Richard had about ten minutes to grab things and flee with their children. They only found out their home was destroyed when a friend showed them this photo.

EMILY HARPER NURSE "We got burnt down. We had surrounding neighbors burnt down. Just a caring heart makes you really redirect your mind and focus on what you can do to help someone else."

The Harpers are volunteering at the Shasta College shelter run by the Red Cross. Richard is an artist who has created more than 100 paintings. He shows me a photo of the only one that's left.

RICHARD HARPER ARTIST "My portfolio of about thirty years of my art is all gone. But I still got my talents, and my hands. I'm gonna make more art."

Shelters also have to make room for some prized possessions.

MARK NIU REDDING, CALIFORNIA "That also includes goats that have been taken in too. And there are some big surprises. Meet Marty. He's a giant tortoise, one of the first evacuees to be taken in."

MELISSA MARKEE FACULTY, SHASTA COLLEGE "The animals are really family for some of these people, especially the dogs and the cats for evacuees here provide a lot of emotional support."

Supporting each other like family -- a motto so many here hold on to as this community attempts to rebuild together. MN, CGTN, REDDING, CALIFORNIA.