Sweeping wildfires in northern California’s wine country and surrounding area have killed at least 15 people and destroyed over 1,500 structures, figures authorities say will continue to rise in the coming days.
Some of the largest of the 14 blazes burning over a 320-square kilometre region were in Napa and Sonoma counties, home to dozens of wineries that attract tourists from around the world. The fires sent smoke as far south as San Francisco, about 100 kilometres away.
READ MORE: Thousands flee from homes as deadly wildfires rage in Northern California
Sonoma County said it has received more than 100 missing-person reports as family and friends scramble to locate loved ones.
According to NBC News, more than 20,000 people fled their homes over the weekend as the wildfires burned across eight counties. Cal Fire Deputy Chief Scott McLean told the news outlet that additional resources have been brought into the region to battle the fires.
“Hopefully we’ll start seeing some turnaround throughout the course of today and into tomorrow,” McLean said.
The U.S. National Weather Service said that with very low humidity and strong, gusty winds the fires will remain a threat throughout Tuesday, with winds weakening late Tuesday into Wednesday, NBC News reported.
Photos show entire neighbourhoods gutted by the fire as smoke chokes the sky over San Francisco. Here’s a look at the intensity of the wine country wildfires.
–with a file from the Associated Press
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