What happened: Multiple wildfires swept through northern California neighborhoods, businesses, hotels and wineries Sunday night and Monday. Eleven people were killed – a number that is expected to rise – and more than 1,500 structures have been destroyed by the high-wind propelled wildfires.
Firefighters from throughout California are battling the Napa and Sonoma County blazes, as well as fires in other parts of the state, with a focus on protecting lives. EMS personnel evacuated hospital patients and nursing home residents as more than 20,000 people self-evacuated from the hardest hit areas.
Why it's significant: These fires are already among the most deadly in California history and the displacement of thousands of people from their homes will impact the region for years to come.