PARADISE, California — The death toll rises to 31 in Northern California fire. Officials release another grim statistic – the number matched California’s record for deaths in a single fire.
Around 228 people remained unaccounted for as crews stepped up the search for bodies and missing people. IN ADDITION: 2 people killed in Southern California wildfire.
In Paradise and surrounding communities in the Sierra Nevada foothills, over 10 search teams are working. Dozens of authorities called in DNA labs to help identify victims.
Gov. Jetty Brown said, “This is a true tragedy all Californians can understand…”
An aid is requested from the Trump administration, according to Brown who declared a state emergency. In response, President Donald Trump has blamed “poor” forest management for the fires. More forest management needs to be done by federal and state governments.
Climate dryness and warmer weather attributed to climate change which leads to destructive wildfire seasons in California. The 2/3rd of the state is abnormally dry.
Fire battles are being held by shovels and bulldozers, flame retardant.
Southern California areas are also under threat. There is a new round of winds which can grow and destruct more forests. Malibu celebrities and mobile-home dwellers in nearby mountains were slowly learning whether their homes have been spared or destroyed.
