Devastating West Coast Wildfires Turn Moon Blood-Red, CA Residents Flee 'Very Sobering' Historic Inferno

Charlene Aaron
09-30-2020

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A state of emergency has been declared in California as wildfires burn tens of thousands of acres.

The Glass Fire, one of nearly 30 burning across the state, has scorched more than 66 square miles and destroyed about 95 structures, including at least 80 homes. 

Officials said flames are now racing through areas that haven't burned in more than a century.

In one of many desperate scenes across the region, a sheriff's lieutenant was seen using a garden hose to stop one home from catching fire.

One couple made the decision to wait it out and fight the flames creeping towards their home. "For me personally, worst case I am survivable so I'm willing to stay and take the risk and protect my place to the extent I can," said the unidentified homeowner.

The region is nearing the third anniversary of a 2017 wildfire that killed 22 people. For many residents, seeing the blaze come over the iconic ridges has been a painful reminder of those losses.

"We moved up here about 4 years ago," said Stacy Murphy. "Since '17, every year, horrible fires."

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In Shasta County, the Zogg fire claimed the lives of three people and 150 buildings as blazes scorch more than 70 square miles.  

About 70,000 people were evacuated, including the entire town of Calistoga.

"It's a very sobering thing to find out that all you've worked for and all of that your parents have worked for - in a moment is gone," said Mike Christianson. 

Three fires, which started Sunday, are fueled by gusty winds, high temperatures and little rain, merged into one destroying iconic wine country destinations in their paths. 

So far in this year's historic fire season, more than 8,100 California wildfires have killed 29 people, scorched 5,780 square miles, and destroyed more than 7,000 buildings. 

Meanwhile, wildfires continue to rage in other states across the West Coast. The smoke has become so severe it's even turned the moon blood-red in Washington state.

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About The Author

Charlene Aaron
Charlene
Aaron

Charlene Aaron serves as a general assignment reporter, news anchor, co-host of The 700 Club, co-host of 700 Club Interactive, and co-host of The Prayerlink on the CBN News Channel. She covers various social issues, such as abortion, gender identity, race relations, and more. Before joining CBN News in 2003, she was a personal letter writer for Dr. Pat Robertson. Charlene attended Old Dominion University and Elizabeth City State University. She is an ordained minister and pastor’s wife. She lives in Smithfield, VA, with her husband.
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