Calif. Wildfires: 8 Dead, 230,000+ Acres Burned, 100s Of Homes Destroyed


Northern California residents saw the biggest destruction with the largest wildfire in Shasta County. The Carr Fire, which ignited seven days ago in Whiskeytown before making its way to Redding, grew to more than 103,000 acres and was just 23 percent contained by Monday evening. The fire, which claimed the lives of six people, including two firefighters, destroyed more than 800 homes and threatened another 4,000 structures.
The Ferguson Fire, which prompted the temporary closure of parts of the popular Yosemite National Forest, grew to more than 57,000 acres by Monday evening. In its 18th day, the wildfire claimed the lives of two firefighters and injured another seven people. With the fire 30 percent contained, park officials were hopeful to reopen Yosemite Valley by the end of the week.
On Friday afternoon, two separate fires erupted in Mendocino County. The River Fire, which was 5 percent contained Monday morning, grew to 20,000 acres, while the Ranch Fire grew to 35,000 acres. That fire was also just 5 percent contained. More than 10,000 other structures remain threatened in the region.
Napa County saw some relief Monday morning after a brush fire erupted Saturday afternoon. The region, which was devastated just last year by deadly wildfires, saw crews gain containment on the 135-acre Steele Fire, after it burned eight structures and damaged another four. The fire was 75 percent contained as of Monday morning.