Wildfires

California's largest single wildfire in recorded history is running through forestlands as fire crews try to protect rural communities from flames that have destroyed hundreds of homes. 

Crews are getting the upper hand on a 40-acre vegetation fire in Sonoma County Tuesday. 

The Indian Valley Fire Rescue Department was destroyed by the Dixie Fire while the volunteer firefighters were trying to save homes in the Greenville area.

A group of vintners in Napa Valley are formulating plans to better protect their vineyards when faced with wildfires.

The Dixie Fire raging in the Sierra Nevada now has the notorious distinction of being California's largest wildfire in state history.

Thick smoke that held down winds and temperatures began to clear Sunday from the scenic forestlands of Northern California as firefighters battling the largest single wildfire in state history braced for a return of fire-friendly weather.

People living in the scenic forestlands of Northern California are facing a weekend of fear as the Dixie Fire threatens to reduce thousands of homes to ashes. The fire now spans an area of 698 square miles and is 21% contained.

Smoke from wildfires burning further north has drifted into the Bay Area – causing moderate air quality conditions.

Plumas County Sheriff's Office on Friday night announced eight individuals are unaccounted for in the area affected by the raging Dixie Fire. 

The Dixie Fire has now burned 430,000 acres, and it now ranks as California's third worst wildfire in state history. Thursday night, the town of Canyondam was destroyed by the fire.

The story of wildfires in California is tragic, but familiar. Homes and businesses get destroyed as people flee for survival. Even the strange sight of heavy smoke turning skies orange is becoming a recognizable part of the landscape.

As of Friday morning, the Dixie Fire had scorched more than 400,000 acres, giving it the unfortunate ranking of being California's third-largest wildfire in state history.

Hell came to Greenville, an historic Plumas County gold rush era town 80 miles northeast of Paradise. "We lost Greenville tonight," U.S. Rep. Doug LaMalfa, who represents the area, said in an emotional Facebook video. "There’s just no words."

The River fire in Placer County has burnt at least 2,400 acres, forcing residents in Nevada and Placer county to evacuate.