Some pictures and links to keep us in perspective:
http://secoh.livejournal.com/...
There's probably lots more around the internets, but these are pretty shocking, especially the last one. I've lived in California, and I don't think I've ever seen anything like this. I wish all sorts of good wishes to the survivors seeking safety.
More pictures after the jump (in a second).
Around 5 or 6 people died in this multi-vehicle crash after the fire swept over them.
The roads are littered with crashed and burned cars of those who tried to escape by road.
A motorcyclist who crashed in the heavy smoke succumbed to the smoke and heat not far away from his fallen steed.
Visibility was probably down to zero from the smoke leading to accidents.