Nov. 24 (UPI) — Northern California’s Camp Fire was 95 percent contained as the death toll remained at 84 and the number of missing dropped to 475 from its high of more than 1,000.
On Friday night, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office reported on Facebook no additional remains were found from Thursday, when one body was discovered. Among the deceased, 54 have been identified.
The number of missing was 605 on Thursday. On Friday night, the number of accounted for individuals increased to 2,328.
A total of 1,268 personnel are working to contain the fire and search for remains, including on Thanksgiving.
Through Saturday morning, 153,336 acres were scorched, and 13,954 residences, 514 commercial buildings and 4,265 other structures were destroyed, according to Cal Fire.
The fire began on Nov. 8, and has become the deadliest and most destructive in state history.
During the past few days, rain has helped to extinguish hot spots and smoldering areas, according to Cal Fire, but it has made search efforts more difficult.
“The fireline that remains uncontained is located in steep and rugged terrain where it is unsafe for firefighters to access due to the heavy rains,” Cal Fire said. “There is indirect control line in that area and firefighters are monitoring the situation. Once safe to do so, crews will assess this area and determine if direct line is necessary.”
No reports of mudslides have been reported though 3-plus inches of rain have been recorded in the mountains, according to the National Weather Service’s San Francisco Bay Area office.
“It’s been hit or miss here with the rain,” Brigitte Foster, a fire prevention officer with the Lassen National Forest, told the San Francisco Chronicle. “We have some little dry spells and then a dusting of rain, and sometimes it will rain a little hard. It’s not a consistent rain that we have been having.”
Mandatory evacuations have been lifted in some towns, but hard-hit Paradise is not one of them.
The American Red Cross said it is operating shelters in and around Butte County, “providing shelter, food and comfort for people in need as the fires continue to burn.”
The Red Cross is among the charities seeking donations.
“It is truly amazing to see the kindness that has poured into our community!!,” the sheriff’s office posted on Facebook. “The generosity shown by Butte County and people far and wide is overwhelming. THANK YOU for your support! Right now our donation centers are full and can’t accept any material donations. They are struggling to sort and store all the items so kindly donated to our people in need.”
Instead cash donations are desired.
“The best way to help #CampFire survivors and evacuees is sending monetary donations through trusted local organizations,” according to the post. “That way your money stays local and is used to provide the exact items our people need. Only use trusted organizations to avoid scams.”
