The images and stories of the wildfires raging in northern and southern California present the image of a raging hell that is spreading at a dizzying speed.

The numbers behind these infernal scenes are just as dark.

This is what we know so far about the devastation inflicted on the most populous state in the country.

How many fires burn?

There are six forest fires, three of which are considered major, currently burning in the state.

The largest is the campfire in Butte County, north of the capital, Sacramento, which has become the most destructive fire in the state's history, with more than 6,700 structures elevated.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, better known as Cal Fire, said the fire burned 109,000 acres and contained only 25% of the total. Full containment is not expected until the last day of the month.

The impact of the campfire was felt as far as the San Francisco Bay Area, more than 150 km away, with clouds of smoke covering the area throughout the weekend.

To the south, in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, the Woolsey fire brought an extra layer of grief to an area hit by Wednesday's shooting at the Borderline Bar and Grill, which claimed the lives of 13 people. shooter. This fire burned more than 83,000 acres and contained only 10% of the total.

Hill Fire, also in Ventura County north of Malibu, burned 4,500 hectares and is 70% controlled.

How were they harmful?

To get an idea of ​​the devastation caused by the camp fire, which destroyed the city of Paradise, consider that the fire of last year, the most harmful of the fires of the wine region that took about three weeks to extinguish – destroyed 5,636 structures the most in the history of the states.

It took three days at the campfire to exceed this total. Of the 6,713 structures removed, 6,453 were residences.

More importantly, the campfire has killed 23 people, many of them in their cars, making it the third deadliest forest fire in the history of the state. The authorities fear that the bill will exceed the 29 years set by a fire in 1933.

The Woolsey Fire destroyed 177 structures and caused two deaths. In addition, he partnered with Hill Fire to force the movement of 250,000 people, including personalities such as Lady Gaga, Cher, Martin Sheen, Kim Kardashian West, Alyssa Milano and director Guillermo del Toro.

Why did these fires break out so quickly?

Forecasters warned in the middle of last week that conditions were favorable for fires, due to lack of precipitation and warm weather that had dried up vegetation, and that more and more winds were increasing the likelihood of a fire. rapid spread of flames.

Shortly after, the campfire – named after Camp Creek Road, where it started – kept its promises, igniting on Thursday morning and increasing at an astonishing speed. The Woolsey and Hill Fires were also lit.

President Trump inserted an element of controversy into the tragedies when he tweeted Saturday that "poor forest management" was at the origin of the fires. California authorities have maintained above-normal temperatures – likely caused by climate change – have evacuated moisture from grass, shrubs and trees, allowing the flames to burn faster and more intensely .

Weather experts are largely in agreement, although they also believe that urban development adds an element of danger once fires are triggered.

What are the conditions like today?

The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings until Monday morning for large tracts of northern California, covering most of the central portion of this region, from Sacramento north of the Shasta National Forest and east of Sierra Nevada.

These warnings, which indicate extreme fire conditions, were also issued in most counties in Los Angeles and Ventura until Tuesday afternoon due to the combination of wind gusts and moisture levels. from 40 to 60 mph.

"The day of bad weather is critical," said meteorologist Alex Hoon. "There will be a lot of changing winds, dry conditions."

How to help

With thousands of houses destroyed and at least 25 dead, the California population could use this extra support.

Here are some organizations where you can give or donate your time to help those affected by the disaster.

Volunteers from California: The state-run office manages programs and initiatives that help increase public service in California. The group is activated for disasters and has put in place ways to help you, whether financially, by volunteering or with donated goods, in each of the fires.

American Red Cross: The American Red Cross is helping people in northern and southern California find shelter and provide assistance. The organization has listed ways to help you. If you would like to donate $ 10, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999.

FCC Fire Fund: The organization contributes to the medium and long-term recovery efforts of the major forest fires in California and has launched local initiatives to assist those affected by the fire.

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