Search and rescue workers search for human remains at a trailer park burned out from the Camp Fire, Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018, in Paradise, Calif. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Search and rescue workers search for human remains at a trailer park burned out from the Camp Fire, Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018, in Paradise, Calif. (AP Photo/John Locher)
The latest death toll in the Butte County Camp Fire is at least 48 after six more bodies were found in homes in the city of Paradise. National Guard troops, anthropologists, cadaver dogs and 150 additional searchers have been called in, as well as two mobile morgue units. The deadliest wildfire in California history has burned 135-thousand acres and is 35 percent contained as this morning. More than 88-hundred structures have been destroyed, the majority of them homes, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
And as many as five people are under arrest on suspicion of looting in the Camp Fire disaster area. Paradise police report arresting three suspects so far, and Butte County sheriff’s deputies have taken at least two people into custody for looting. At least four of the suspected looters are residents of Butte County. That fact is made more disturbing considering at least 14 Paradise police officers, nearly half of the entire department, have lost homes in the wildfire.
The Woolsey Fire, which began in Ventura County south of Simi Valley in Southern California, began on November 8th has burned over 97,000 acres and is 47% contained.
Moderate Santa Ana wind buffeted the area yesterday with wind gusts between 30 and 45 MPH. The strong winds, combined with relative humidity in the single digits, produced another day of critical fire weather conditions. Fire crews and aircraft worked to contain a flareup in the Sherwood Lake area. Resources were mobilized from staging to assist with suppression efforts. Firefighting resources will pursue opportunities to build and improve direct line to minimize further perimeter growth and support containment objectives.