Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 11 Oct 2017, 05:37 am Print
Officials fear that at least 150 people are still unaccounted for.
The blaze has also destroyed a part of the state's wine region, forcing the evacuation of thousands.
Sonoma County alone counted for nine deaths.
More that 1500 homes have been completely destroyed by the flames, according to local authorities, who added that north San Francisco's Santa Rosa was the worst affected town.
The BBC quoted state fire chief Ken Pimlott as saying that "17 fires had burned about 115,000 acres (26,000ha) in the past 24 hours."
An emergency has been declared in seven counties, including Napa and Sonoma, by California Governor Jerry Brown.
President Donald J. Trump Approves California Disaster Declaration. #CaliforniaWildfires pic.twitter.com/eWQcBBkiS4
— Dan Scavino Jr. (@Scavino45) October 10, 2017
Following the carnage, a disaster declaration has been approved by US President Donald Trump.
- Scientists warn April 2024 was the hottest on record
- Rapidly warming Indian Ocean hurtling towards near-permanent marine heatwave state
- UN official urge swift action to tackle El-Nino-induced extreme weather
- Conservation actions are effective at halting and reversing biodiversity loss, new study finds
- UN officials launch global campaign to combat climate emergency