The news has been plastered with information lately about the horrible wildfires occurring on our west coast, particularly in Northern California. On Sunday, October 8, fifteen fires had ignited from various lightning strikes, made possible due to the hot, dry conditions of the past summer. This, paired with the lack of rain and surplus of wind, helped the fire to spread. The blaze has claimed the lives of 41 people, including a truck driver bringing water to help attempt to quell the flames who was involved in a car accident. Of the 1,700 or so original missing persons from the fires in just Sonoma county, about 140 are still missing. About 217,000 acres have been scorched, and around 5,700 structures have been destroyed.

For the people who were able to escape the flames, they unfortunately could not take their homes and possessions with them. As the fires grew rapidly, the residents had to grab what they could and go, if they even had that much time. Families lost everything: their homes, their savings, family heirlooms, pets, and more. Totaling nearly $3 billion worth of destruction in Sonoma county, these fires have truly taken their toll. The home of Charles Shultz, the author of “Peanuts,” was amongst those that were swallowed by the flames, as well as the $17 million “Glass House.” A family was forced to leave their Bernese Mountain dog, “Izzy,” behind when the flames threatened their residence without warning. However, in a heartwarming video (attached below) the family returns to find her waiting for them, relatively unscathed.

Families returning to assess the debris are being warned of its toxicity. Large debris should not be moved as it can release toxic chemicals into the air. The plastic, paints, and chemicals that were burned in the fire pose health risks to those sifting through the ash and destruction. However, of the 100,000 told to leave their homes, about 40,000 are still waiting to see the aftermath for themselves. Our own Genie Andracchio was recently in California, and while she was not located anywhere near the flame’s path, she could see the size of the fires and imagine the destruction being done.

Thankfully, California has not had to deal with their worst wildfire season in history alone. Supplies and personnel have been sent to California for their aid from 17 other states and Australia. These donations and assistance have contributed to the growing containment of many of the fires. The two largest fires are now at least 60% contained, and that number is growing thanks to all of these efforts. The forecast shows rain throughout the day Thursday and into Friday morning, which is also a promising sign to Californians. While there is still quite a ways to go, at least progress is being made.

Wildfires are causing problems in Europe, claiming European lives and causing destruction in countries such as Portugal and Spain. Of the 145 wildfires originally noted, dozens are still considered highly dangerous. 31 people have died in total, and there is no way to know yet how high these numbers may reach. Hopefully 31 is as high as they will go, and the world as a whole can be spared from anymore destruction due to natural disasters.

Luxury apartments in Sotogrande Spain for sale ensures future homeowners to be ready for all kinds of emergencies.

Sources:
http://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2017/10/16/dog-izzy-reunites-with-family-deadly-wild-fires-new-day-sot.cnn
http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/16/us/california-fires-updates/index.html
http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/10/16/557986665/firefighters-gain-ground-on-california-wildfires
https://www.nasa.gov/image-feature/goddard/2017/wildfires-running-amok-in-california
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41634125