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California wildfires cause harmful conditions

Some of the mandatory evacuation orders were lifted overnight into Monday morning after wind conditions improved in California according to Cal Fire. Tens of thousands of people got the clear to return home. This made the number of evacuees drop from 75,000 to 100,000.

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11,000 firefighters are helping to diminish the wildfires in California. According to CNN, these fires are, "one of the greatest tragedies to ever strike California." There are 15 major wildfires across a vast 217,000 acres. These fires have caused damage, which has destroyed 5,700 structures and killed at least 41 people.

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200 people are still missing. Of the ten counties that have wildfires, Sonoma had the most fire related deaths with 22. Mendicino has eight, Napa has six and Yuba has four.

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State Senator Mike McGuire, who represents the North Bay, tweeted that damages in Sonoma County are expected to cost more than $3 billion.

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"There are simply no words to describe the sorrow. Initial damage assessments for unincorporated Sonoma Co are in 3,819 destroyed parcels, 2.019 Billion. When Santa Rosa is combined, damage estimates top $3 billion. Unfortunately, estimates are expected to grow this week," McGuire said.

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Firefighting crews and supplies have come from all over the country as well as Australia. Cal Fire tweeted, "Thank you to all our fire partners from across the U.S & Australia that came to the California’s aide during our greatest time of need."

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Although housing is a huge concern, health officials are worried about the communities well being. They have warned residents to be careful when looking through their belongings. Dr. Karen Relucio, a public health officer in Napa County warned the community about how toxic the debris can be. She said, "The ash and the debris is very toxic. You have lots of chemicals and plastic and paint burned down." She also stated that she does not advise anyone to remove large debris because it can release more toxins into the air.

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Cal Fire reminded residents that if they were returning home, to secure their property and try to reduce hazards. They also wanted residents to be aware that crews are still working to extinguish hotspots and will continue to patrol areas.

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Carson Williamson, senior chemistry major, lives in California and is upset about the current fires. He said, "The fires that are currently raging in California are ruining one of the most beautiful areas of northern California. It saddens me to see the wine country of Napa and Sonoma valley burning. While it has not affected most of my family or friends directly, it has resulted in terrible breathing conditions through the valley. Hopefully it can be contained quickly and efficiently."

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Because of the heavy smoke, air quality alerts have been issued for San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare and the valley portion of Kern Counties. The National Weather Service stated that exposure to the smoke can cause serious health problems.

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Updates are continued through social media sites of the areas. Residents are asked to keep alert to these condition changes online and through the news.

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Residents and families are welcomed to visit https://sfgov.maps.arcgis.com/apps/InformationLookup/index.html?appid=2fda90d67ffb4b8bb3f7d595cadf2e0f to view the evacuation map for California.

10/17/2017

By Corrina Tucker, News Editor

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