As flames raced through Napa and Sonoma counties, some were left in the dark
SANTA ROSA, Calif. - As fast-moving fires invaded neighborhoods across Northern California this week, residents of Napa and Sonoma counties said they were alerted to the approaching disaster by frantic shouts from neighbors, honking horns, blaring smoke alarms and even the noise of an American flag whipping in the intense winds.
But it's becoming increasingly clear that at least some residents did not receive warnings on their cellphones similar to an Amber Alert. The so-called Wireless Emergency Alert sends loud, screeching alarms or vibrations to all cellphones in a geographic area unless a user specifically opts out.
On Wednesday, officials faced questions about why authorities could not reach more people as the fires
