The wet winter in California, which spurred the growth of plants, and then the drought of recent months and the strong winds in the region have all contributed to the spate of wildfires across the region, resulting in the loss of 17 lives so far, the destruction of over 2000 buildings, and effects on many people outside the immediate fire area due to heavy smoke. Here are a few interesting stories on the fires and their impacts.

CNN: More evacuations ordered as deadly wildfires scorch Northern California

New York Times: Before and After Photos: Fires Tear Through California Wine Country

Forbes: The Science of ‘Diablo Winds’ Fanning California Wine Country Fires

Sonoma County Press Democrat: Safari West owner had ‘a thousand souls’ to save from Tubbs fire

Conde Nast: What California’s Wildfires Have Done to Wine Country

The remains of the fire-damaged Signorello Estate winery. Jim Wilson/The New York Times