The toll from the deadliest and most devastating wildfire in California’s history went higher on Sunday to 77, the sheriff’s office said, after a vigil that was held in honour of the victims.
“One human remain was located today,” raising the toll by one in the so-called Camp Fire which broke out 10 days earlier in northern California, a statement from the Butte County Sheriff said, following US President Donald Trump’s visit on Saturday to survey the devastation.
“We will rise from the ashes,” said a sign on the altar of the church, where survivors embraced, and one woman carried a picture of her father who died.
“Of the 77 fatalities, we have tentatively identified 67 individuals,” the sheriff’s office said.
A total of 993 remain unaccounted for, from a peak that exceeded 1 200, the statement added.
More than 10 000 homes were destroyed in the blaze which has consumed an area about the size of Chicago, and essentially wiped Paradise off the map. Thousands took flight while others found temporary refuge at churches or in tents.
The National Weather Service said low humidity and gusty winds are expected to continue across parts of California through Monday but the pattern is likely to change.
The forecast for the Paradise area called for rain by Tuesday night, becoming heavy on Wednesday.
Article sourced from AFP
