Northern CA Death Toll Rises to 88

Nov. 27 -- Authorities in Butte County announced Monday that the death toll from the devastating Camp Fire had risen to 88 after forensic experts realized the remains of three previously discovered individuals were each the remains of two people.

No additional victims were found Monday, according to the Sheriff’s Office, but the agency was continuing its search for bodies as the number of residents who have been unaccounted for stood at 203.

Sheriff Kory Honea said the county’s burned hills and valleys were being combed as quickly as possible, but said it was too early to provide a timeline for when the search for victims would be completed. He said investigators had already visited “high-probability areas,” sometimes two or three times.

The number of dead was changed on Monday, Honea explained, after forensic experts who continue to examine the remains accounted for their updated findings.

Since igniting Nov. 8, the Camp Fire has charred 153,336 acres and destroyed 13,972 homes, 528 commercial buildings and 4,293 other structures, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The town of Paradise was almost entirely wiped out.

Rain last week helped firefighters gain control of the unruly blaze. Over the weekend, Cal Fire announced full containment.

The fire is considered the deadliest and most destructive in California history.

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