Currents News Staff
As firefighters in California make progress on containing several wildfires throughout the state, the focus now shifts to the daunting task of recovery- and identifying the victims.
In northern California – the camp fire has killed at least 56 people, as over 460 rescue workers and officials comb through debris, searching for human remains.
“They already have the capability of beginning to collect samples from the general public or people who suspect a loved one may have perished in the fire,” said Sheriff Kory Honea, Butte County, CA.
It’s the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history.
“A week ago tonight most of us went to bed not knowing that we would wake up in the morning to a fire that burns 55,000 acres, burns approximately 8,000 structures, in the first 12 hours,” said Dave Russell, Cal Fire Incident Commander.
In southern California – the Woolsey fire, which started seven days ago – is more than 57 percent contained.
That fire has destroyed over 500 structures, but with more favorable weather conditions expected, officials are optimistic that they have a handle on this blaze.
More than 230 thousand acres have burned through the state over the past week.