California fires: Harrowing pictures show devastation after wildfires left 15 dead and hundreds missing

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Chloe Chaplain7 December 2017

Harrowing pictures show the charred remains of parts of California's wine region after wildfires ravaged through the area, leaving several dead and almost 200 people missing.

At least 15 people were killed in the fires, which swept through the northern California regions of Napa and Sonama on Sunday.

They are among the deadliest in California’s history, with more than 17 fires burning across 115,000 acres.

Some were still raging on Wednesday morning and lines were being dug to slow the advance of fires in anticipation of winds arriving.

Despair: Two residents hug each other after seeing theor home destroyed
EPA

The fires have spread over a 200-mile region from Napa to Redding.

Authorities said that nearly 200 people have been reported missing but they are hopeful that many are just unable to communicate with friends and family because of downed communication lines in the fire areas.

There are still fears, however, that the death toll could rise and more than 91,000 homes and businesses have been left without power.

Pictures of the area show smoke billowing from rows of crops and others left charred and destroyed by the blaze.

One image captures the moment two devastated residents hug each other, standing in the middle of burnt out cars and streets strewn with ash.

Fire: A helicopter drops water on the flames
REUTERS

Millions flock to the counties every year to sample wine, sit in mud baths and soak in the region's natural beauty.

At least five wineries in the area have had "complete losses" in facilities, with another nine reporting some damage.

A fire-fighter puts out hot spots to stop the fire spreading
REUTERS

Tourism officials say that wine country is open for business.

Fire officials are yet to determine the cause of any of the major fires.

Investigators are on scene but firefighters are concentrating most of their efforts on rescues and evacuations.

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