The Valley fire, described by one official as “the worst tragedy Lake County has ever seen” exploded over the weekend and continued to rage on Monday, forcing chaotic evacuations and consuming hundreds of homes. The Butte fire, which flared up Wednesday, has since raced through more than 71,000 acres about 45 miles northeast of Stockton. With containment at 30%, that fire has destroyed 135 homes and 79 other structures, but is threatening 6,400 more structures.
California fire updates: Valley fire among the most destructive in state history
