Published on: 13 October 2017
As of October 12, the wildfires have killed at least 29 people, with the majority of the fatalities occurring in Sonoma County. The death toll is expected to rise in the coming days. Furthermore, at least 3,500 structures - including commercial and residential buildings - have been destroyed in the northern portion of the state. Approximately 25,000 residents have heeded evacuation orders, primarily in Sonoma and Napa counties. California Governor Jerry Brown requested, and was granted, a major disaster declaration; federal resources will supplement local and state agencies in firefighting efforts.