By: Shauna Sigren

October 23rd, 2017

California greatly suffered from wildfires that broke out on October 8th, 2017. The firestorms have killed at least 41 people and destroyed around 5,700 buildings. Dozens of  people remain missing. These massive forest fires have caused local citizens and fellow Americans a great deal of stress and heartbreak. The forest fire started by natural causes or could possibly be an effect of global warming. People across America are worried that their loved ones could be in danger. The country will have to work together to rebuild the northern California areas that were destroyed.

More than 14 fires destroyed up to 8 california counties. This forced over 20,000 people to evacuate their homes. The fire has completely destroyed over 3,500 structures. Officials say that this is the worst firestorm in California History. But the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection shows that over this 2017 year there have been multiple forest fire incidents, starting on April 20th, with firestorm Jayne.

Throughout this October multiple wildfires broke out throughout many counties. The weather conditions are severe. Due to the extreme conditions, once the fires were put out, they came back even faster growing to be massive. They spanned  from 1,000- 20,000 acres within a one day. The fire grew to span over 170,000 acres of land. Firefighters eventually had to come up with a new strategy. They began using controlled fire to fight the fire. They bordered the area of the mass fire with controlled fire so they could keep it all in one area.

Many local citizens who had to evacuate their homes, have turn to homeless shelters and hospitals for protection from the conditions outside. Many Homeless shelters had around a 30% rise in clients over the following days once the firestorm began rapidly spreading. According to Napas Hope Center shelter, worker Medina says, “Some of them have respiratory issues or just general health problems. They just want to get away from the smoke.”

Recovery crews have begun to search for bodies in many counties. Crew members say the process will take many hours and identifying bodies will be extremely difficult. So far into the search they have only found ash and bones. On Thursday 12th, 2017, Sheriff Rob Giordano announced at a briefing that law enforcement is  now, “moving into a recovery phase” after the Tubbs fire in the Santa Rosa.

Many people were affected by this tragedy.  Many Americans are mourning the loss of friends, loved ones, and there homes.  Hopefully with the sympathy and support of others these victims will soon recover from this horrific event.

California greatly suffered from wildfires that broke out on October 8th, 2017. The firestorms have killed at least 41 people and destroyed around 5,700 buildings. Dozens of  people remain missing. These massive forest fires have caused local citizens and fellow Americans a great deal of stress and heartbreak. The forest fire started by natural causes or could possibly be an effect of global warming. People across America are worried that their loved ones could be in danger. The country will have to work together to rebuild the northern California areas that were destroyed.