North Bay fires

City Council passed a package of proposals to help create more affordable housing at its regular meeting Tuesday.

With the coming rainy season, some people in Sonoma County are fearful of the effects of runoff from the recent North Bay fires entering the nearby Russian River, a major source of water for Sonoma and Marin counties.

A hundred thousand subject to evacuation, dozens missing and more than 40 dead. The destruction seems overwhelming and senseless.

Berkeley’s once-hazy skies are now clear, but the devastating fires in the North Bay have continued to burn, uprooting thousands and killing at least 40. The ongoing fires have led some to consider whether or not a similar disaster could strike Berkeley.

With an estimated 20,000 people evacuated and at least 23 dead after the North Bay wildfires, surrounding counties are in need of shelter, food and counseling as they grapple with the loss of housing and lives.

Following the spread of 17 wildfires across the North Bay, which have destroyed roughly 1,500 buildings and killed at least 23, East Bay companies and student groups have mobilized to help victims of the wildfires.

The North Bay fires are affecting the daily life and health of students and community members, causing a spike in Tang Center visits related to smoke inhalation as of Wednesday.

The heavy winds and dry conditions that caused 17 wildfires in the North Bay are predicted to return Wednesday and potentially affect parts of the East Bay.

The smoke from the North Bay fires covering Berkeley in hazy skies since Sunday evening is beginning to dissipate. But for students whose homes were in the fire’s path, the devastation will not fade anytime soon.