The number of missing people from the major forest fires in California rose sharply on Thursday evening (local time), from 200 to 631. Seven new bodies were also recovered, bringing the provisional death toll to 63. That says the sheriff of Butte County, Kory Honea, to TV channel CNN.
It is the deadliest forest fire in California’s history. Only ruins remain of the Paradise municipality. Hundreds of relief workers in white protective clothing search with search dogs in the rubble for possible bodies.
A fire also raged in southern California, near the resort of Malibu. In addition, two people died. The total balance of forest fires in California is thus 65 fatalities.
