California wildfires

As the toll from the Northern California fires continues to mount, with dozens of lives lost and hundreds of homes destroyed, small stories of hope continue to surface.

Officials say they are increasingly optimistic that the fires are gradually being extinguished, with two of the largest about 70 percent contained.

Authorities say they have two of the largest fires around 70 percent contained. Meanwhile, some people who were ordered to flee were being allowed to return to what remains of their homes.

On extremely short notice, two hospitals had to evacuate all their patients as wildfires spread rapidly through Santa Rosa, Calif., last Sunday and Monday. One nurse on duty tells her story.

Dealing with a fire or other natural disaster is hard on anyone, from evacuation to aftermath. And people with physical or developmental disabilities have particular needs, say emergency planners.

The wildfires in California's wine country are coming in the midst of a near-record fire season nationwide. Researchers say a warming climate is a factor.

Officials say that they have moved into "recovery mode" in some areas and expect to find many more bodies.

As wildfires spread through Northern California counties, clouds of smoke and ash are spreading, too, far beyond the flames. Air quality officials have a database that's searchable by ZIP code.

The video raises a central question, given that much of the area is under a mandatory evacuation order and curfew: Who's going to get that mail?

Authorities say at least 23 people are dead in some of the worst fires in the state's history. Hundreds more have been reported missing, and officials say the death toll is likely to climb.