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.
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