![California fires: 23 killed, hundreds missing as blazes rage. [Image Credit: International News/Youtube]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2017/10/11/660x290/b_502x220x82/california-fires-23-killed-hundreds-missing-as-blazes-rage-international-newsyoutube_1626837.jpg "California fires: 23 killed, hundreds missing as blazes rage. [Image Credit: International News/Youtube]")
At least 23 residents died in devastating wildfires in California, and around 20,000 locals had to move away during the mandatory evacuation, ABC News reported. The flames spread to around 170,00 acres and damaged thousands of buildings, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
On Wednesday, the battle with 22 wildfires in various counties was still going on. There is no information about the causes of the fires, but strong winds and dry Weather Conditions worsened the situation.
8,000 firefighters, support staff on duty
According to authorities, around 8,000 professional firefighters and special support staff are on duty, and 124 aircraft are used to fight against the disaster. Federal agencies and 1,000 fire departments from the nearby stated are assisting with resources. 550 fire trucks, 73 helicopters, and at least 30 planes are being used to stop the fire, CNN reported.
State of emergency in Napa
In northern california, a state of emergency is still declared for Napa, Sonoma and Yuba counties. In Napa County, around 7,000 people were left without electricity. More than 150 locals have got treatment for burns and smoke inhalation since the beginning of this week at the hospitals of St.
Joseph Health.
Predictions about the natural disaster
By Wednesday evening, at least 285 people have been missing in Sonoma County, and the total number of the reports about missing residents have risen up to 600 since the beginning of the fire. Only 315 of them have been found safe. The exact number of fire victims is unclear, as some of the evacuees might not have checked in with authorities, Reuters reported.
County Sheriff Robert Giordano announced that the wildfires became "one of the worst natural disasters in California history," urging the evacuated residents not to return back until allowed. Ken Pimlott, the Cal FIre director, claimed that the number of fully destroyed buildings was more than 3,500.
The National Weather Service stated a red flag warning for the Bay Area by October 12, 5 p.m.
According to the experts, the following rains in northern California would be expected after October 20, CBS News reported.
Cool weather conditions in Southern California helped firefighters gain ground against a wildfire that scorched around a dozen square miles. According to CBS Los Angeles, the blaze remains at 45 percent containment.
