As Wildfires Get Worse, USDA Says Firefighters Need More Funding
The USDA wants to change how Congress funds fighting wildfires as climate change threatens to lengthen wildfire seasons.
LEARN MOREPosted: 3:45 p.m. EDT Oct 10, 2017
At least 13 people are dead after a string of fast-burning wildfires scorched parts of California.
On Tuesday, officials said "17 large wildfires" started within the last day are affecting at least eight counties. Together, the fires have destroyed at least 1,500 homes and businesses and burned more than 115,000 acres.
In Sonoma County alone, almost 25,000 residents evacuated and nearly 5,000 of them are in shelters. The sheriff's office says at least 150 people have been reported missing as of Tuesday.
At least 170 people have reportedly been treated at local hospitals, many for smoke inhalation and burns.
On Monday, California Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency for Napa, Sonoma and Yuba counties and later expanded that order to five other counties. On Tuesday, Vice President Mike Pence announced President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration for the state.
Also Monday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency authorized more federal funds to help battle 10 of the newest wildfires.
The wildfires aren't just in Northern California. Officials say the so-called Canyon Fire 2 in Orange County had burned 7,500 acres and destroyed at least 14 structures as of early Tuesday afternoon.
Firefighters battling the fires up north won't get much help from Mother Nature. There's no rain scheduled in the forecast over the next week for Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino counties.
