Blood sun in california 2017 state of san francisco

The year started with torrential rain that unleashed landslides and deadly flooding. The deluge destroyed roads, cut off the iconic Pacific Coast Highway and eroded key infrastructure. Then the Golden State became extremely hot and dry -- marking the state's hottest summer ever and a fall heat wave that shattered all-time high records in the Bay Area.

How long did the 2017 solar eclipse last

In October, the most destructive fire in California history tore through wine country, as the series of wildfires killed 44 people and destroyed over 5, buildings. And now Southern California is grappling with a series of massive, uncontrolled wildfires. It's been a whiplash of disasters, from drought, floods, and now massive wildfires.

California Gov. Jerry Brown declared an emergency seven times this year, due to such disasters, according to a count of his press releases. California has always had wildfires, but this year's unique combination of rain, heat and wind set off a cascade of events. The state had been in a five-year drought -- that was officially declared over by the governor in April.

Those trees are dying, mainly because those trees are stressed.