TIMELINE: Devastating Valley Fire Rips Through Napa, Lake Counties

MIDDLETOWN (CBS SF) -- An explosive wildfire burned largely unchecked Monday after incinerating hundreds of homes and devastating rural communities north of California's Napa Valley, leaving at least one person dead and sending tens of thousands fleeing down flame-lined streets.

The fire exploded in size within hours as it chewed through brush and trees parched from four years of drought, destroying 400 homes, two apartment complexes and 10 businesses since igniting Saturday, Cal Fire spokeswoman Lynn Valentine said.

Crews have gained little control of the 61,000 acre blaze, which also damaged water distribution facilities and a massive complex of geothermal power plants known as the Geysers.

The fire exploded in size within hours as it chewed through brush and trees parched from four years of drought, destroying 400 homes, two apartment complexes and 10 businesses since igniting Saturday.

TIMELINE:

MORE: Harbin Hot Springs Torched | Milder Temperatures Could Aid CrewsScammers Target Valley Fire Victims | Most Recent Stories

EVACUATIONS: Latest Information From CAL FIRE
DONATE: Red Cross Needs Volunteers, Cash Donations For Wildfire Victims

TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Read more
f

We and our partners use cookies to understand how you use our site, improve your experience and serve you personalized content and advertising. Read about how we use cookies in our cookie policy and how you can control them by clicking Manage Settings. By continuing to use this site, you accept these cookies.