The Death Toll from California Wildfires Reaches 59

As search operations continue for missing persons from two wildfires in California, the death toll from these fires reached 59 by Thursday, November 15. The fires began last week in two areas known as 'Camp Fire' located in the town of Paradise in Northern California, and 'Woolsey Fire' in East Los Angeles. The fire in Paradise and its surrounding areas has been dubbed 'the deadliest fire in the state,' with the latest discovered bodies belonging to eight victims in this town. According to Reuters, search operations are ongoing with the participation of a National Guard unit, 50 security agents, and several other rescue groups in the area. The fire in Paradise and its surroundings began last Thursday and forced nearly the entire population of 27,000 residents to evacuate their homes. Reuters reports that the fate of 130 residents of this town, mostly individuals over 65 years old, remains unknown, as authorities believe they may not have been able to evacuate in time due to the rapid spread of the fire. By Wednesday evening, it was reported that the area burned in Paradise and its surroundings had reached 138,000 hectares. However, due to decreased winds and increased humidity, firefighters managed to contain the fire in one-third of this area over the past two days. Reports indicate that temporary shelters and housing centers are so crowded that some people are forced to sleep in their cars or under tents. Reuters also reported that some residents of the town have stated that given the extent of the damage, their return to Paradise is uncertain. On the other hand, following the arrest of three individuals on charges of looting homes and shops in Paradise, the police have intensified patrols in the area. Earlier, local media reported that out of 30 police officers in the town, 13 of their homes were burned in the fire. According to authorities, the winds contributed to the spread of the fire in Paradise so much that 'many residents had to flee on foot and empty-handed,' which has also contributed to the high number of casualties. Although winds have decreased, the head of the California Forestry Department has warned that the vegetation in the area remains dangerously dry and 'conditions are ripe for another catastrophic fire.' More than 9,000 firefighters and support personnel from other states are currently combating the two California wildfires. Jerry Brown, the Governor of California, and Ryan Zinke, the Secretary of the Interior, visited the ruins of Paradise on Wednesday and the Woolsey Fire area on Thursday. The dry grasslands and brush in the area have been one of the main factors in the recent wildfires' spread in California, and scientists believe that the prolonged dry months in the region are due to climate change. However, lawyers for some victims have filed lawsuits claiming that negligence in maintaining the machinery of a power plant was the cause of the fire; however, officials have stated that investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.