California wildfires leave 6 people dead, nearly 1600 homes destroyed in two of the biggest

Nearly 1 600 homes have been destroyed in two of the biggest wildfires in California – Butte and Valley fires – making them among the worst ever in state's history, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said Sunday, September 20. At the same day, the death toll rose to 6.

As of late September 20, the Butte Fire (east of Jackson; Amador & Calaveras Counties) was 72% contained, according to Cal Fire. The fire has so far burned 70 760 acres and destroyed 545 homes. Mandatory Evacuation order was lifted Sunday.

A unique perspective: Soar over Butte Fire with LiveCopter3 by KCRA News

Battling the flames in California's Butte fire by Daily News

At the same time, the Valley Fire (southern Lake County; Lake, Napa and Sonoma Counties) was 69% contained, it burned 75 711 acres and destroyed 1 050 structures so far. Cal Fire said in a press release the Mandatory Evacuation order denying access to the communities of North Loch Lomond, Seigler Springs, and Bonanza Springs will be lifted on Monday, September 21 at 5:00 pm local time. 

The public is reminded to stay vigilant on current fire conditions. "Please continue to adhere to road closures and any evacuation warnings or advisories. If you see electrical wires on the ground, stay clear and contact PG&E immediately. Trees and poles with deep charring, particularly if still smoking, should be considered hazardous. Please drive slowly as emergency personnel operate in the area," Cal Fire said in a press release. 

Massive wildfire rages in Northern California by AP

Valley Fire video by Kai Ringeisen

Valley Fire: Apocalyptic scenes at Boggs Mountain State Forest and Loch Lomond by Flying Monkey Photography

The Valley Fire video playlist by The Press Democrat

The Tassajara Fire (Tassajara Rd at Carmel Valley Rd, Monterey County) has burned about 1 086 acres, destroyed or damaged 10 homes and numerous buildings, and was 30% contained late Sunday.

Laureles Fire in Monterey County was 85% contained. So far, it managed to burn about 95 acres.

National Interagency Fire Center said the American West has seen one of its worst fire seasons this year, burning through a particularly large area of the landscape. Nearly 9 million acres have burned so far this year. That's 3 times more than over the same period in 2014.

Featured image: Valley Fire: Apocalyptic scenes at Boggs Mountain State Forest and Loch Lomond (video screenshot). Credit Flying Monkey Photography.