It seems as though the more 2020 progresses, the worse it gets.
We almost entered World War 3, Australia was engulfed in flames and suffered immensely, COVID-19 caused a major world-wide shutdown and massively changed life as we know it, the Pentagon released UFO tapes, Asian murder hornets buzzed over to pay a visit, George Floyd was killed and stemmed into protests and rioting across the nation, Wayfair faced a major human trafficking conspiracy theory, and here we are — major wildfires in Napa County, California.
As reported by the Napa Valley Register, a lightning storm that took place Monday morning resulted in six individual wildfires that eventually joined together to create one massive tidal wave of embers. By the morning of August 19th, 44,700 acres were charred and some structures destroyed.
The Napa Valley Register also updated:
As of Wednesday evening, the Hennessey Fire (which now includes the merging of the Gamble, Green and Markley fires) that started near Lake Hennessey had burned 100,000 acres with one structure and two outbuildings listed as destroyed.
All fires, a total of 124,100 acres, were listed as 0% containment.
While there are tallies of destroyed structures, 105 homes and outbuildings, there is an additional 70 structures that are damaged - and Californians are expecting more as the fires continue to spread with little to no containment.
Evacuations have been enforced in Napa County, Spanish Flats, Angwin, Deer Park, St. Helena Hospital, Berryessa Highlands, Hidden Valley, Vacaville, Fairville, Pope Valley, Knoxville, and countless other areas to ensure as much safety as possible.
This video was shared on Facebook to show the wildfires in real time during the evacuation.
Because California is known for its wildfire season, there are several protocols in place, as one can imagine. One of these being providing shelter for those of whom lost their homes and have nothing left. Nearby schools, community centers, and churches would come together during a time of crisis to help those affected.
However, as we're still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing protocols must also be taken into consideration (and are being implemented) to ensure everyone's safety.
As a result, there cannot be the usual large gatherings of several families seeking shelter from the fire, especially in a condensed location. Instead, most are resorting to what the Napa Valley Register reported in regards to people camping in the parking lot of Napa's Crosswalk Community Church.
Hotels are an option as well, but vacancies are now likely slim to none. In the past with exact circumstances, hotel chains have been known to offer discounts to Californians affected by wildfires, with examples as reported by Nevada News 4 just last year. I'm sure the same generosity is being granted now as well.
As this is an ongoing event and updates are delivered hourly, this is a developing tragedy. Hopefully, containment percentages will rise over the next few days and Californians will be safe.
Keep up with the news on various networks or join the conversation and support on social media with #PrayersForCalifornia.
Hennessey Fire: Raw video of raging Hennessey Wildfirewww.youtube.com
- Napa County wildfires trigger more evacuations, Hennessey Fire ... ›
- Photos from the fires burning in Napa County | Local News ... ›
- Update: Napa County's wildfires destroy 50 structures, with number ... ›
- LNU Lightning Complex (includes Hennessey, Gamble, 15-10 ... ›
- Napa County Fire Incident Map ›
- North Bay fires rage, Angwin and St. Helena Hospital ordered to ... ›
- Live updates: Napa County evacuation orders expanded ›
- County Fire Department | Napa County, CA ›