California fires: Chico-based Sierra Nevada posts eerie flame photos, closes brewery

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. on Friday shut down its flagship Chico, California-based brewery as raging wildfires threatened, but have not yet breached, city limits.

The Camp Fire, which has wracked Butte County, 80 miles north of Sacramento, quadrupled overnight to nearly 110 square miles, according to fire officials.

►Read more: Fires across California have forced 157,000 people from their homes; number of deaths not known

The brewery posted eerie photos of the flames on the horizon as they appeared to approach the facility. The skies, darkened with swirling smoke, glow an ominous orange.

"Our Chico brewery is close to the #CampFire and safety is our first priority," the post reads. "As such, the Chico brewery will be closed until further notice. Please do not come to the Chico brewery."

The post indicated more information on community fundraising efforts is to come.

"Many of our employees are currently affected by this fire and we may be slower than usual to respond to messages. Thank you so much for all of your support. We are so grateful for the wonderful community we call home." 

The Sacramento Bee reports that Chico State University has closed its campus. 

Meanwhile, fires in Southern California have forced the evacuation of some 75,000 homes in Ventura and Los Angeles counties, with the Los Angeles County Fire Department tweeting Friday: "imminent threat," adding that "Malibu lakes residents must leave area immediately."

Fires ripping through California have driven 157,000 people from their homes and caused unspecified numbers of fatalities, fire officials said.

►Read more: Evacuation ordered for much of Malibu as raging fires drive 157,000 from their homes

USA TODAY contributed to this report.