On Sunday, October 8, 2017, around nine and 11 p.m, winds up to 79 miles per hour led to three large fires igniting in Northern California. The Atlas fire started around 9:20 p.m, burning 26,000 acres in Napa and Solano county. The Tubs fire, starting around 9:45 p.m, burned 28,000 acres in Sonoma and Napa county and The Redwood/Potter fires started around 10:36 p.m and burned 21,000 acres in Mendocino county.

Currently, at least 21 residents have been killed with the death toll still rising until fires are controlled. Hundreds have been stated missing and many buildings have been destroyed. Due to this, thousands of evacuations have been conducted. As of Wednesday, more than 20,000 people were told to evacuate and pack “ready-to-go-bags” in case they have to flee.

8,000 firefighters are currently involved in the action, although fires have not been controlled due to the water supply being down. California has requested assistance from the United States fire service in Nevada to help put out the fires.

Sophomore Zaina Hussain has taken this breaking news to heart.

“The fire in California is devastating and I feel very bad for the families of the 21 people who passed away and the thousands of of people who had to evacuate,” Hussain said.  

These fires have triggered heart aches, sadness and sorrow in fellow residents. Many have lost their homes and are struggling to get back onto their feet both financially and physically. Donations and volunteers are greatly appreciated for those who have lost everything this week.