The worst wildfire in a devastating season in California has destroyed more than 400 homes and businesses and forced 10,000 people to flee — some with only minutes to escape the raging flames. At least one person was known dead and four firefighters were taken to the hospital after battling the Valley Fire, which has scorched about 80 square miles — 50,000 acres — north of San Francisco. Besides the hundreds of buildings destroyed, the fire has burned up to 1,000 structures, including barns and sheds. The blaze broke out only Saturday, quickly spread and was expanding in several directions early Monday. It was declared zero percent contained. Whole blocks were destroyed in the town of Middletown. Authorities could not immediately provide details of the death. Teri Molini said she raced out of her house on Saturday with the family dog, blankets and mementos. "We said, 'OK, this thing's a beast," Molini told The Associated Press. A second blaze, known as the Butte fire, was burning southeast of Sacramento and only 25 percent contained.