Napa Valley to Ashes, Cali to Dust

Amanda Mourelatos, Co-Editor of Cougart and Community Builder

In the last few years, the world has been breaking all kinds of records in regards to natural conditions and disasters. The Napa fire is believed to be the most destructive fire in California history so far.

Approximately 5,700 structures have been destroyed, including some neighborhoods in their entirety. Napa has lost

6% of rural housing from the disastrous fires that have occurred. Ron Eldridge, the deputy chief of law enforcement for Cal Fire, raised the question, “Was there negligence or was there a violation of the law?” He says, “That’s ultimately what we are trying to determine.”

Ever since the fires, the tourist population has gradually decreased and business is slow. The majority of the California fires recorded have been created by human actions, such as kids playing with fire or satanic rituals. In this case, strong winds and dry conditions forced the red-flag warning to arise. The damage made from these wildfires are being looked at as worse than some of the damage done in the recent hurricanes.

At least 40 people have been confirmed dead in 4 different counties, including a 14 year old victim. “This is truly one of the greatest tragedies,” said Gov. Jerry Brown.

Sources: New York Times, Washington Post, Napa Valley Register