By the numbers: Deadly wildfires sweep California
Friends and family are rushing to find out whether loved ones are at hospitals or shelters as deadly fires sweep across wide swaths of California and authorities announced new evacuation orders and new figures on homes and businesses that were loss.
Officials report that thousands of firefighters are battling nearly two dozen blazes in Northern California's wine country -- with additional help on the way.
As firefighters struggle to gain control of any of the fires, Gov. Jerry Brown held a press conference Wednesday and released the latest figures on the fight and response to the fires.
"We have had big fires in the past. This is one of the biggest, most serious, and it's not over," Brown said.
CBS News has compiled some of the key numbers about the fires. All statistics are courtesy of Brown's office, unless otherwise noted.
California wildfires by the numbers:
170,000+ acres scorched -- or the equivalent of at least 200 Central Parks or nearly 12 Manhattan islands
3rd deadliest fire season in California's history
3,500 homes and businesses destroyed since Sunday
22 fires burning, up from 17 on Tuesday, in 8 counties
Current death toll
Cal Fire confirmed the death toll Wednesday at 24 people
- 14 dead in Sonoma County
- 6 dead in Mendocino County
- 2 dead in Napa County
- 2 dead in Yuba County
Resources to fight wildfires:
- 73 helicopters
- 30 air tankers
- 550 fire engines
- 8,000 firefighters
- 170 fire engines on the way from neighboring states
Requested from federal resources:
- 60 hand crews
- 154 fire engines
- 6 bull dozers
California National Guard response:
- 700 soldiers and airmen supporting firefighting and evacuation efforts Wednesday
- Mobilized 1,800 more soldiers and airmen, including 49th Military Brigade
- 13 type-1 firefighting helicopters, 2 medical evacuation helicopters, 2 observation helicopters
- Coordinating with Nevada and Oregon National Guard and U.S. Navy and Marine Corp. for firefighting aircraft they have available
- Flying two unmanned MQ9 Reapers for fire mapping and damage assessments
Meanwhile, cooler weather and moist ocean air has helped the fire fight in Southern California, CBS Los Angeles reports.
The Associated Press reports that the blaze in the Anaheim Hills in Orange County was nearly halfway surrounded and full containment was expected by Saturday, but another round of gusty winds and low humidity levels could arrive late Thursday.
