Forest fires in southern California threaten the inhabitants of one of the richest areas of Los Angeles. In the Bel-Air area, residents are evacuated. Due to strong winds that help spread the flame, forced evacuation is declared in several areas.
The head of the California Fire Service, Ken Pimlott, said that with such a wind it is impossible to fight a fire. The level of threat in connection with fires in the state is raised to the highest – “purple”.
The largest number of deaths – 11 people – was noted in the county of Sonoma. The county authorities report that 155 people have been missing, although this may be explained by the chaotic evacuation of residents.
In the center of the county town of Santa Rosa, the fire destroyed the Hilton hotel and parking for mobile homes. Tens of thousands of residents of the district fled their homes.
