1 Person Killed, 400 Homes And Businesses Destroyed By Valley Fire
MIDDLETOWN, Calif. (AP) - Authorities say a wildfire that overtook several Northern California towns has killed at least one person and destroyed more than 400 homes and businesses.
A California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection spokeswoman released the tally Sunday evening as firefighters continue to battle the out-of-control blaze north of San Francisco in Lake County.
Lynn Valentine said officials confirmed one fatality, though she had no immediate information on the deceased.
She said the fire has destroyed 400 homes, two apartment complexes and 10 businesses. Most of the destruction occurred in the communities of Middletown and Hidden Valley Lake, as well as homes along a shuttered highway.
The fire broke out Saturday afternoon and exploded in size within hours. It has burned 78 square miles.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.
