MIDDLETOWN (KRON) – California officials say a massive wildfire that’s devastated rural communities north of California’s Napa Valley has also damaged infrastructure.
At a news conference Monday, officials say the explosive blaze has damaged water distribution facilities and a massive complex of geothermal power plants known as the Geysers.
California Gov. Jerry Brown thanked firefighters for their courage as they “battle with nature” to stop that fire and another that have destroyed hundreds of homes and forced tens of thousands to evacuate. At the press conference, the governor said the fires are “scary stuff” exacerbated by climate change and a four-year drought.
Fire Chief Ken Pimlott says there have been 1,500 more fires than usual for this point in the year.
There is one confirmed death and others are missing, though officials don’t yet know whether those unaccounted for are elsewhere.