Wildfires raging across Northern California have killed at least 17 people as hundreds of firefighters battle the flames and keep thousands of people away from the blaze's path.

Most of the fires were ignited Sunday, driven by winds of more than 50 mph and dry conditions. With no rain in the forecast this week and a chance of gusts of 35 to 40 mph Wednesday, forecasters said the weather will create challenges for firefighters.