"Wildfires Kill 17 In California Wine Country"

"SANTA ROSA, Calif. - Firefighters battling wildfires in California’s wine country face the prospect of new outbreaks when dry, windy conditions return on Wednesday to an area where at least 17 people have been killed and 2,000 homes and businesses destroyed in blazes.

Gusts of up to 50 mph (80 kph) and 10 percent humidity are forecast for later on Wednesday and into Thursday for the region where 17 fires have forced 20,000 people to flee their homes, fire officials said.

'The potential for new fires that could grow exponentially as these fires did in such a short time period is there,' said Lynne Tolmachoff, spokeswoman for California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. "

Marc Vartabedian reports for Reuters October 11, 2017.

SEE ALSO:

"‘Dice Were Really Loaded’ For Wildfires Exploding In California, Experts Say" (McClatchy)

"California’s Hot Summer Set the Stage for Deadly Wildfires" (InsideClimate News)

"What Needs to be Done to Stop Wildfires in Drought-Killed Forests" (Water Deeply)

"How California's Firestorm Spread So Mind-Bogglingly Fast: From 'Diablo' Winds To Climate Trends" (Mashable)