Parts of California’s wine region are being ravaged by fast-spreading fires that have killed at least one person and seriously injured two others.
Mass evacuations have been announced as several others are reportedly missing.
About 20,000 people have fled from Napa, Sonoma and Yuba counties after fires broke out across the area renowned for its vineyards.
The governor of California declared an emergency as firefighters battled to control the wild blazes.
“These fires have destroyed structures and continue to threaten thousands of homes, necessitating the evacuation of thousands of residents,” the declaration said.
It is not yet known how the fires started on Sunday night.
Napa County’s fire chief warned that conditions were hindering firefighting efforts, as further resources were brought in from across the state.
One person died in Mendocino County when thousands of acres burned in one valley. Further injuries have been reported and others are said to be missing.
Dozens of vineyard workers were reportedly airlifted to safety overnight.
