Two More Dead, Several Missing In California Wildfire

Missing In California Wildfire
Photo Courtesy: UPI

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 17 (UPI) — Two men were found dead and at least one other was missing early Thursday after fast-moving wildfires swept through Northern California communities and leveled hundreds of homes.

Mark McCloud, 66, was found dead beneath the rubble of his home a few miles east of the town of San Andreas in Northern California. A second man, who was not identified, was found a few miles away in the remnants of his home. Both men had refused to evacuate as the fast-moving Butte Fire moved through their communities, destroying 233 homes.

Earlier this week, investigators identified retired schoolteacher Barbara McWilliams, 72, as the first victim in the blazes that have engulfed the northern areas of the state.

Investigators were continuing their search for Leonard Neft, a former San JoseMercury News reporter, who has been missing for days. Family last spoke with Neft on Saturday night as he was evacuating his home. Both of his vehicles, which were destroyed by fire, have been found. Police said others were missing as well.

At the same time, law enforcement were dealing with looters in the Valley Fire burn zones. At least three people were taken into custody after moving past manned blockades.

As of early Thursday, the Valley Fire had grown to 70,200 acres and was 35 percent contained. The Butte Fire was 71,800 acres and 47 percent contained.

Wednesday, President Obama called California Gov. Jerry Brown for an update about the wildfires and to express gratitude to those working to combat the blazes. Obama vowed to fix the way the nation pays for wildfire suppression efforts, reducing the risk of more catastrophic wildfires.

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