Death toll from California wildfires rises as 130 still missing
The death toll in the deadliest wildfires in recent California history climbed to 59 yesterday, as authorities released a list of 130 people still missing. Most of those unaccounted for are from the Butte County town of Paradise, in northern California, which was virtually erased from the map by the so-called 'Camp Fire' blaze that erupted last week. Here's more.
Most reported missing: Elderly, in their 70s, 80s, and 90s
Paradise, a town of around 26,000 in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, was popular with retirees and many of those reported missing by the sheriff's office are elderly, in their 70s, 80s, and 90s. Virtually every home in Paradise, located 80 miles (130 kilometers) north of the state capital Sacramento, was destroyed by the fast-moving fire, fuelled by high winds.
'This is going to be a frustrating event for citizens'
"We're in the midst of a catastrophe. The fire was unprecedented, overwhelming, so a lot of people got caught," Governor Jerry Brown told a press conference. Brock Long, head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), said Paradise was looking at a "total rebuild" with many homes, businesses and infrastructure destroyed. "This is going to be a frustrating event for the citizens," Long added.
Out of 56 deaths, 47 identified: Butte County Sheriff
Authorities said livestock-owners were being allowed into restricted areas for brief periods to feed the animals but it was unclear when residents would be allowed back in. 56 deaths have been reported from 'Camp Fire', mostly in Paradise, while three died in 'Woolsey Fire'. Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said that out of 56 human remains found in his county, 47 had been identified.
Fire victims blame local power company for the 'Camp Fire'
While the cause of 'Camp Fire' is still under investigation, a lawsuit has been filed against the local power company, PG&E, by fire victims claiming negligence by the utility. The complaint alleged that the fire began on November 8 when a high voltage transmission line failed, igniting a vegetation fire. As thousands of firefighters fought the fires, incredible courage and survival tales emerged.
As 'Camp Fire' spread, we plunged into a reservoir: Survivor
A 51-year-old victim, named Scott, said that when the 'Camp Fire' surrounded his home in Concow in Butte County, he and his family plunged into a reservoir along with a 90-year-old neighbor, Bruno. They remained in the cold water as flames licked the shore and finally made their way to a small island in the reservoir after finding a pair of rowboats.
'Woolsey Fire' destroyed homes of Miley Cyrus, Gerard Butler
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) said more than 3,500 fire personnel were battling the 'Woolsey Fire', which has destroyed the Malibu homes of several celebrities including Miley Cyrus, Neil Young, Robin Thicke, Shannen Doherty, and Gerard Butler.
More than 5,600 fire personnel battling 'Camp Fire': Officials
The 'Camp Fire' has ravaged 135,000 acres (54,632 hectares) of land and is 35% contained, according to Cal Fire. It has destroyed some 7,600 homes and 260 commercial properties. More than 5,600 fire personnel are battling the blaze, some from as far away as Washington state and Texas. The 'Woolsey Fire' has razed 97,620 acres (39,505 hectares) and has been 47% contained.
