California wildfire destroys 5,700 structures

The 15 large wildfires active across California have so far resulted in a death toll of more than 40 while burning more than 217,000 acres and destroying an estimated 5,700 structures, catastrophe modelling firm AIR Worldwide said on Oct. 16.

Almost 75,000 people remained evacuated as of Oct. 15 morning. Although winds have died down temporarily and light rain is forecast for the region later this week, the situation remains extremely volatile, according to the statement. Fire officials have warned that even suppressed wildfires can behave erratically, projecting embers some distance to ignite new blazes; fire continues to threaten the outskirts of Sonoma.

Light winds across Northern California enabled Red Flag Warnings for the area to be lifted at 8 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 16, but in Southern California the warnings remained in force because of gusty winds. Mandatory evacuation orders have been lifted in some areas, including the cities of Napa and Calistoga.

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