California wildfires: Camp Fire kills 42 to become deadliest in state history as Trump approves major disaster declaration
Fires across state have killed 44 in total with hundreds still missing
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Your support makes all the difference.The total death toll from wildfires across California has risen to 44, after 13 more people were found dead in what is now the deadliest single fire in state history.
The blaze dubbed Camp Fire in northern California has incinerated more than 7,100 homes and businesses - particularly in the town of Paradise. Its death toll exceeds that of the Griffith Park Fire in 1933, the deadliest wildfire on record in California. At least 228 people were still missing, according to Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea.
Speaking on CNN, Mr Honea said that while he holds out hope that many people listed as missing will turn up safe, “given what we’ve dealt with so far with casualties as a result of this fire, I have concerns that it [the death toll] will rise”.
Late on Monday, President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration for the state, which will allow it to access more federal funds. Mr Trump said he "wanted to respond quickly", although calls for the declaration have been coming for a number of days.
Hundreds of thousands of evacuation orders have been issued, while countless residents have shared images online of missing loved ones, begging people to help them find displaced relatives and friends.
In southern California, the Woolsey Fire has scorched at least 91,000 acres and destroyed 370 structures. At least two people have died in that fire, and more than 57,000 buildings still at risk.
You can find our latest report on the California wildfires here. For more on how the events of Monday unfolded, please see our now-closed live blog, below.
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LA sheriff’s department chief John Benedict shared concerns for the hundreds of missing victims in California’s deadly fires, saying officials are “working tirelessly” to reunite families with their loved ones and pets.
“The winds are here right now and they’re anticipated to stay until Tuesday,” he added, saying the region was in “red flag warnings.” The police chief warned drivers in vehicles to be wary of any hazards on the road.
Police chief John Benedict said LAPD was working with local animal control and volunteers to rescue animals and house them in areas where they can be safely fed. The AV fair grounds is a location where folks can bring pets in need of assistance.
Evacuations remain in effect for those impacted by the Woolsey Fire, with police chief Benedict saying some areas “have not been rendered safe, or safe even for first responders in some cases.”
California highway patrol acting commander Kevin Kicker said several roads have been closed in the surrounding area due to one of the new fires.
The Pacific Coastal Highway closure remains in effect “indefinitely,” the highway patrol official has said.
“The region is still unstable and things can still happen,” Mr Kicker said, calling for “continued patience” in the wake of California deadly and destructive fires.
Officials noted some first responders have also lost their homes, and yet they are continually working to battle back the blazes and new fires.
Cal Fire’s chief said red flag conditions would remain in many areas until Tuesday, noting a reduction of winds was expected later this afternoon that could potentially reduce the increasing size of the wildfires.
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