Thousands evacuate as California wildfires kill 10

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Raging wildfires in California's wine country have claimed at least 10 lives and forced thousands to flee, authorities said Monday.

Fanned by winds surpassing 80 kilometers an hour, the blazes have forced more than 20,000 people to evacuate in the country's heaviest populated state since they began Sunday night.

California's fire service said about 73,000 acres (30,000 hectares) have been ravaged by the major infernos.

Reuters Photo

"The Sheriff's Office confirms seven fire-related deaths from the Sonoma Co. fires. Our condolences to their friends and families," tweeted the office of Sonoma County's office in the state's north. The previous toll had stood at three.

At least 1,500 buildings were destroyed as the state declared an emergency in three counties ravaged by intense fires, mostly in its famous wine-producing regions.

Fourteen major fires are burning in total. Napa, Sonoma and Yuba counties are covered by Governor Jerry Brown's order. The counties are north of San Francisco Bay.

Fire trucks were out in force in that area, he said.

About 410 firefighters are working on blazes in Mendocino, a sheriff's spokesman in that county told the CBS news network, adding that multiple fatalities were expected.

Reuters Photo‍

Another fire in Anaheim has surged to char 800 hectares of land and at least 200 fire fighters scrambled to try to contain it.

Dozens of shelters were opened in schools and churches. Even livestock had shelter areas set up on some fair grounds.

Forest fires are common in the western United States during dry, hot summer months, and can be further fanned by windy conditions.

Last month, a massive fire described as the biggest in the history of Los Angeles forced hundreds to evacuate their homes.

Early Monday, the fires could be smelled in San Francisco, about 60 kilometers from the closest blaze.

Source(s): AFP