California Wildfires 2017 Latest News: Sonoma County Holding On to Chance of Rain to Alleviate Damages Caused by Wildfire
Dozens of people have been killed, and thousands were left with no choice but to leave their homes as the wildfires continue to spread in the U.S. state of California.
According to CNN, there are still 15 major wildfires tearing across California, burning more than 217,000 acres of land area and destroying more than 5,700 houses and other structures.
There are at least 41 reported casualties, including a 14-year-old and a truck driver who died in a single-vehicle rollover last Monday. Eighty-eight people have also been reported missing in Sonoma County, where damages are said to have exceeded the cost of $3 billion.
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"This is truly one of the greatest, if not the greatest tragedy that California has ever faced," Governor Jerry Brown reportedly said. "The devastation is just unbelievable, is a horror that no one could have imagined," he added.
Almost 11,000 firefighters have been working hard to alleviate the situation, and more fire engines and crew members have been requested from neighboring states. They are all preparing to face the possibility of more wildfires in the coming days, as per California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The good news is that there apparently is a chance of rain, which could help put out the flames that have devastated the state of California. According to ABC News, weather forecasters predict that the city of Santa Rosa in Northern California could get some rain by Thursday this week, giving Sonoma County a glimmer of hope.
The deadly wildfires had ravaged this part of California over the past week, forcing thousands of residents to leave their homes as these get devoured by flames.
Health officials are also reportedly warning residents, who are planning to return to their destroyed homes, to be careful about handling their belongings as these can contain toxic substances.
"The ash and the debris is very toxic. You have lots of chemicals and plastic and paint burned down," Napa County public health officer Dr. Karen Relucio reportedly said. "We strongly urge you not to remove any large debris because this can release toxins into the air," she added.
