The death toll from the “Camp Fire” in Northern California has increased to 71 while authorities try to locate 1,011 people who are unaccounted for.
The fire is now 55 percent contained after consuming more than 148,000 acres.
Meanwhile, in Southern California, just outside of Los Angeles, the Woolsey Fire is 82 percent contained after burning 98,362 acres.
Dense smoke from the fires has smothering parts of the state with what has been described as “the dirtiest air in the world.”
Firefighters have been racing against time, with a red flag warning issued for Saturday night into Sunday, including winds up to 50 mph and low humidity.
Rain was forecast for mid-week, which could help firefighters but also complicate the challenging search for remains.
President Trump touched down at the Beale Air Force base in Northern California hours after he blamed the deadly wildfires that have killed 74 on poor forest management yet again, reigniting fury among West Coast residents and firefighters.
President Trump is greeted by California Gov. Jerry Brown and Gov. elect Gavin Newsom.
Trump will make two stops and speak with first responders, FEMA representatives, California governor Jerry Brown and governor elect Gavin Newsom.
“We have a lot of things to talk about. We will be talking about forest management,” said Trump. I’ve been saying that for a long time. This could have been a lot different situation… Very expensive issue but very inexpensive when you compare it to even one of these horrible fires and will save lots of lives in addition to a lot of money.”
Trump has been heavily criticized for blaming the fires on the ‘gross mismanagement’ of forests before sharing condolences for wildfire victims. He even threatened to cut off unspecified federal aid to California if they don’t take action.
His financial threat sparked outrage, and he subsequently approved a federal disaster declaration to send aid to the smoldering state.
His controversial comments have won him the support of national logging organizations as well as heat from environmentalists who say the president’s attack is a back-handed effort to help logging companies clear-cut forests.
Remains of at least 74 people have been recovered so far in California, 71 of the victims are from the Camp Fire around the Sierra foothills hamlet of Paradise and three are from the Woolsey Fire near Los Angeles.
The once picturesque town was home to nearly 27,000 residents before it was largely incinerated by the deadly Camp Fire on the night of November 8.