California wildfire fanned by 70 mph winds leaps out of control near where power was cut

Geysersville, California — A fast-moving wildfire in rural Sonoma County, intensified by 70 mph winds, prompted officials to order evacuations, CBS San Francisco reports, citing Cal Fire. The so-called Kincade Fire, near Geyserville, quickly grew to approximately 7,000 acres, the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office told CBS News.

The blaze was first reported at around 10:30 p.m.

The raging wind gusts were among the conditions that prompted Pacific Gas and Electric Co. to shut down power in the North Bay Wednesday afternoon as a precaution.

Fire crews in this video have started to leave this area as a wall of flames started to come over the ridge. #KincadeFirepic.twitter.com/nb17BvO7US

— Andrea Nakano (@AndreaKPIX) October 24, 2019

The company told CBS News electricity had been cut in the area of the fire but it couldn't say whether that included places where the fire was burning. Cal Fire said there were no reports of downed power lines in the vicinity.

#kincadefire is moving quickly. This is why we issued evacuation orders. Be safe, Sonoma County. pic.twitter.com/AdhnZGciq6

— Sonoma Sheriff (@sonomasheriff) October 24, 2019

Evacuation orders were issued to communities east of Geyserville, Sonoma County officials said on social media. Evacuation centers were being set up at a local high school and community center.

Timelapse of the #KincadeFire. 🔥 Active fire behavior being observed. View from GeyserPeak Cam 📹@sonomawater#cafire#cawxpic.twitter.com/jqA1S7xiY5

— NWS Bay Area (@NWSBayArea) October 24, 2019

Three witnesses who were driving late Wednesday night described the moment they saw the flames flare up to CBS San Francisco.

"We were just driving and then there was this red flash," said Maria. "We all looked at each other like, 'What is that?' Living in Sonoma County, the first thing we think is the fires."

"It seems like it's something that is somewhat preventable, not to point fingers or anything like that at all," said Victor. "It's something that's becoming almost routine here in Sonoma County during the season and stuff."

- cbsnews >>

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