Update on devastating wildfires that have already destroyed more than 1,000 homes
The Carr Fire has been causing thousands of people to run for their lives around Redding and it has burned an area the size of Los Angeles, but firefighters are starting to see improvements.
On Wednesday, August 1, 2018, it was reported that the flames were 35% contained but that they were still fairly active in the afternoon, with the strong wind pushing them forward.
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, also known as Cal Fire, the Carr Fire is now considered the sixth most destructive fire in California history.
So far, the flames have burned over 121,000 acres and taken the lives of six people, including a grandmother, Melody Bledsoe, and her two grandchildren, who were trapped inside their home.
UPDATE: #CarrFire is now the sixth most destructive fire in California in recorded history. So far, it has destroyed least 1,465 structures, including about 1,018 residences. Over 2,500 structures are still threatened by the flames. https://t.co/SYN3MGTvlZ pic.twitter.com/f7bjWmB7TU
— NBC Bay Area (@nbcbayarea) August 1, 2018
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The wildfire ignited on July 23 near Whiskeytown, in Shasta County, and is still threatening 1,658 structures as it continues to burn and move towards Trinity County.
As of now, there are over 4,271 firefighting personnel, 369 engines and 17 helicopters trying to contain the flames and, slowly but surely, the fire is being put out.
Dramatic Photos of the California Wildfires - 28 images from the destructive fires that have so far burned hundreds of thousands of acres and claimed eight lives. https://t.co/Nt3TmDnboR pic.twitter.com/lOZEHPXdnF
— The Atlantic Photo (@TheAtlPhoto) August 1, 2018
But, according to CNN meteorologist Gene Norman, California is expected to experience 'hot, dry and breezy conditions throughout the end of the week,' and temperatures will soar into the 100s in several spots.
Incident Commander Brett Gouvea revealed that, although the firefighters are still struggling to fight the Carr Fire, they are 'starting to see more success than losses.'
Gov. Brown joined the state’s top emergency management officials, including the leaders of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, at the State Operations Center to provide an update on the ongoing fight against fires burning across California https://t.co/0lQsx9YHaI pic.twitter.com/zeZKZllSIj
— The California National Guard (@CalGuard) August 1, 2018
Ever since the start of the fire, which is only one of the sixteen currently active in California, a total of 60 people have been reported missing in Shasta County, but luckily they have all been found.
Aside from missing reports, the local authorities have been dealing with crimes related to looting. 17 burglaries have taken place in evacuated neighborhoods and at least three people have been arrested on account of theft, but many more are still on the run.
