V's Version

California wildfires

As of Thursday evening, 27 major wildfires were burning in California.

Damage: The fires have consumed more than 510,000 acres and destroyed at least 34 residences. They continue to threaten 10,724 residences and 421 commercial buildings.

Response: Fires are being battled in 15 counties - a fight involving 20,296 people, 1,556 fire engines and 113 helicopters. One blaze was contained on Thursday: the North Mountain Fire in Mariposa County, which consumed 2,889 acres but destroyed no structures.

In the line of duty: Volunteer firefighter recruit Bob Roland, 63, of Anderson Valley complained of fatigue Wednesday while serving as a spotter on the Nash Fire near Boonville in Mendocino County. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he died at 4 a.m. Thursday. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said the state is "forever indebted to Bob's extraordinary and heroic service."

For updates: www.fire.ca.gov. For a map of fires around the state: links.sfgate.com/ZEAZ.