17 dead in California wildfires

Wildfires raging across Northern California have killed at least 17 people, as hundreds of firefighters battle the flames and keep thousands of people away from the blaze’s path.

Most of the fires broke out on Sunday, fueled by winds of more than 50 mph and dry conditions. With no rain predicted for this week and a chance of winds reaching 35 to 40 mph on Wednesday, forecasters say the weather will create challenges for firefighters, CNN reports.

More than 20,000 people had been ordered to evacuate as of Tuesday night and authorities were encouraging others to pack “ready-to-go bags” with documents and medicine in case they had to flee the fast-spreading flames at a moment’s notice.

The White House said President Donald Trump has signed a major disaster declaration as well as fire management assistance grants for the state.