44 people have been confirmed dead and another 228 are still missing as wildfires tear through California.
Fires are hitting both northern and southern California, with the northern blaze labelled the ‘Camp Fire’, while the southern fire is called the ‘Woolsey Fire’.
The Camp Fire has officially become the deadliest single wildfire on record for the state after it killed 42 people and destroyed more than 7,100 homes and businesses, particularly in the town of Paradise, the Independent reports.
Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea explained on CNN 228 people are still missing, and while everyone is hoping they will be found safely, Honea said ‘given what we’ve dealt with so far with casualties as a result of this fire, I have concerns that [the death toll] will rise’.
Yesterday (November 12) President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration for the state, which will allow it to access more federal funds.
He shared the announcement on Twitter, writing:
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.
Trump was previously criticised for blaming the wildfires on poor Forest Management when he tweeted:
There is no reason for these massive, deadly and costly forest fires in California except that forest management is so poor.
Billions of dollars are given each year, with so many lives lost, all because of gross mismanagement of the forests. Remedy now, or no more Fed payments!
Thousands of people in California have been ordered to evacuate the area, with many sharing pictures on social media of missing loved ones and homes which have been destroyed.
Actor Gerard Butler shared a video of an area devastated by the fires, writing:
Driving around Point Dume on Saturday. My heart aches for all those who lost their homes and their lives in California. I was one of the lucky ones, my home was only partially destroyed.
A lot of people lost everything and will have to rebuild from scratch.
Please turn your support to those who need it most here, and throughout California. There’s a Go Fund Me to help people across the state affected by the fires.
In southern California, the Woolsey Fire has burned through at least 91,000 acres, destroyed 370 structures, and killed two people.
Strong winds continue to propel the fire, putting more lives and buildings at risk.
According to CNN, the Woolsey Fire was around 30 per cent contained on Monday (November 12). In the early hours of this morning, the Los Angeles fire department lifted some of the evacuation borders.
They tweeted the news, writing:
ALL evacuations within the City of Los Angeles borders are LIFTED (West Hills); If you are a resident of the City of Los Angeles, you may now safely return to your home without restriction.
The firefighters are doing some incredible, relentless work to contain the fire. Our thoughts are with all those affected by the devastating events.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help those impacted by the fires – donate here.
If you are affected by the California fires, please visit Cal Fire for up to date information about evacuation centres and containment.
Emily Brown first began delivering important news stories aged just 13, when she launched her career with a paper round. She graduated with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University, and went on to become a freelance writer and blogger. Emily contributed to The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Student Problems before becoming a journalist at UNILAD, where she works on breaking news as well as longer form features.