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The death toll in the California wildfires has now increased to at least 44, making it the deadliest in the history of the state.
While President Donald Trump has approved an expedited request for a major disaster declaration, two of the major wildfires in California remain only 35 percent contained.
According to the latest reports, the number of deaths as a result of the Camp Fire in Butte County in Northern California was at 42. Two others have died as a result of the Woolsey Fire in the counties of Los Angeles and Ventura in Southern California, bringing the total numbers of fatalities to 44.
In Butte County California, which is about 80 miles north of Sacramento, the Camp Fire remains only 35 percent contained. Currently, over 5,000 personnel are involved in fighting the blaze which has destroyed more than 6,500 homes and 260 commercial buildings, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.w
Santa Ana wind conditions in Southern California are expected to remain active, with the National Weather Service continuing its red flag warning through 5 PM on Wednesday. The windy conditions are hampering firefighting efforts and challenging firefighters to stay ahead of hotspots and flareups.
A new flareup of the Woolsey Fire occurred early Tuesday in Ventura County, where firefighters increased their efforts toward trying to create a containment line. As of early Tuesday morning, the fire was only 35 percent contained and had consumed over 96,314 acres. An estimated 534 homes and buildings have been lost to the blaze. Cal Fire says another 57,000 structures remain threatened.
The communities of Topanga and Malibu remain under full evacuation orders.
But as of Monday evening, authorities in Los Angeles lifted all evacuation orders for the city of Los Angeles. Other areas of Los Angeles County also lifted their evacuation orders there, including the Westlake Village area of Thousand Oaks, the Bell Canyon area, the city of Hidden Hills and limited portions of Calabasas.
President Donald Trump wrote on Twitter on Monday, that he approved a request to get aid to California more quickly. Trump wrote: “I just approved an expedited request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of California.
Wanted to respond quickly in order to alleviate some of the incredible suffering going on. I am with you all the way. God Bless all of the victims and families affected.”
