The sky around me is tinted gold and filled with ash, falling impossibly slowly. It’s warm and the smell of smoke has temporarily subsided, sure to return when the winds change again. It looks vaguely like the world has been After Effects’ed, and none too subtly. I’m sure it’s a beautiful day, but the beauty is hard to recognize one is so plainly aware that the yellow air we’re breathing contains pieces of the homes of thousands of ousted families.

There are 15 deaths reported. Over 1100 homes are destroyed and thousands more evacuated. Over half a million acres have been devastated. None of the fires are more than 20% contained. There are 10 distinct fires currently burning and at least two of them are being blamed on arson. Many of my friends and coworkers have their friends and families staying with them because their own homes are no longer safe, or no longer standing.

The California wildfires have been declared a major disaster in affected parts of California, and there is no estimate on when they may be controlled or subdued.