As a result of the 17 wildfires raging in the state of California, the governor of that state has declared a state of emergency this evening.

Tens of thousands of acres are ablaze in northern California. The state of emergency will secure reimbursement for the cost of the fight by state and local agencies.

Four towns have thus far been evacuated from the fires that broke out because of extreme drought conditions and lightening strikes.

The largest fire this weekend, the Day Fire has already consumed an estimated 13,000 acres and is reported to now be 25% contained.

The extreme drought conditions are expected to continue in the state and the state is bracing for even more fires to break out as the week progresses.

  california, nation, state of emergency, wildfires