Wind-Driven Fires Burn California Wine Country

It’s harvest time in California’s wine country, and wineries were planning festivals and events in honor of the season.

However, many of those celebrations are on hold, putting the breaks on tourism to the Napa and Sonoma wine valleys. 

Several wind-driven fires are burning out of control in the region, and California governor Jerry Brown has declared a state of emergency for Napa, Sonoma and Yuba counties. 

“These fires have destroyed structures and continue to threaten thousands of homes, necessitating the evacuation of thousands of residents," said the governor. "These fires have damaged and continue to threaten critical infrastructure and have forced the closure of major highways and local roads."

According to a report in the Sacramento Bee, more than 1,500 structures have been destroyed and 20,000 people have been evacuated. 

Fourteen large-scale fires are currently burning in the region, and Cal Fire has noted that the estimates with regards to the destruction are likely conservative. There are more than eight counties currently dealing with blazes. 

At least one person lost their life as the Redwood Complex Fire snatched up 4,500 acres in flames. 

The city of Santa Rosa, a popular hub for wine enthusiasts, is facing some of the worst damage from the fires. 

“We’ve seen major devastation of several neighborhoods of Santa Rosa, both residential and commercial,” Chris Coursey, Santa Rosa mayor told the Sacramento Bee. “The city has never seen anything like this.”

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One of the biggest problems in Sonoma County is the Tubbs Fire.

According to reports, the Hilton Sonoma Wine County on Round Barn Boulevard has been completely engulfed in flames as well as a nearby K-Mart. The Fountaingrove Inn also appeared to have been damaged in the fire. 

Santa Rosa's Hilton Sonoma hotel among dozens of burned businesses. #TubbsFire pic.twitter.com/tp8RZebSBw

— Kurtis Alexander (@kurtisalexander) October 9, 2017

Two hospitals have also reportedly been evacuated and are “no longer operational.” 

Many area roads are also closed, including Highway 37 and Highway 12.