California fires: Camp Fire death toll hits 42, deadliest in history

The death toll from the deadliest wildfire in California history rose to 48 on Tuesday night. Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea announced the grim news during a press conference, acknowledging the “very, very difficult task” of trying to find bodies in charred homes could mean that residents will eventually be the ones to discover loved ones themselves.
“I know that’s a very difficult thing to think about,” Honea said, noting that anyone who discovers a fire victim should immediately notify his office.
The Camp Fire’s destruction also grew, with the number of leveled structures up to 8,817 structures as of Tuesday night, officials said at the press conference.
Of those, 7,600 were single-family homes , while others housed multiple families and others were businesses or other types of structures.
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The news came as Honea announced he’s asking for 100 extra National Guard troops to help handle the mayhem from the massive blaze.
Firefighters struggled throughout Tuesday to contain the Camp Fire, while bracing for continued fire growth with record levels of fuel dryness and availability. The mobile coroner’s teams found the remains of the six additional victims inside homes in Paradise, a community of 27,000 people.
“This is an unprecedented event,” Honea said. “If you’ve been up there, you also know the magnitude of the scene we’re dealing with. I want to recover as many remains as we possibly can, as soon as we can, because I know the toll it takes on loved ones.”
The fire had grown to 203 square miles and was 35 percent contained, Cal Fire said.
On Monday, Honea identified the first three of the victims of the Camp Fire as Ernest Foss, 65, of Paradise; Jesus Fernandez, 48, of Concow; and Carl Wiley, 77, of Magalia. A mobile DNA lab was set up to identify more victims.
“Forecasted low relative humidity and dry fuel moistures combined with steep rugged terrain will continue to impede control operations,” Cal Fire warned.
While the cause of the fire was being investigated, Pacific Gas & Electric drew scrutiny after telling state regulators that it had been having a problem with an electrical transmission line in the area before the fire broke out. Cal Fire investigators were at the scene of the transmission line Monday. PG&E had no comment.
Cal Fire Chief Scott Jalbert, on scene at the Woolsey Fire west of Los Angeles, said drought conditions statewide have made the battles precarious for 9,000 firefighters engaging two fires.
“We are dealing with 30-foot brush and grass,” he said. “Up in Northern California, they are dealing with 150 foot trees in addition to 30 foot brush. The fuel loading is just tremendous.”
Flare-ups of the Woolsey Fire were reported Tuesday morning, causing large plumes of smoke to billow up above the area. The California Highway Patrol advised residents several communities near the flare-ups to be prepared to evacuate.
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The increased fire activity came as U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke announced he will visit California regions impacted by wildfires, including communities hit by the Woolsey Fire.
Conditions permitting, Zinke will visit areas affected by the Camp Fire in Northern California on Wednesday before traveling south to the Woolsey burn area on Thursday, according to the U.S. Department of the Interior.
President Donald Trump said late Monday he approved an expedited request for a major disaster declaration for the state.
The Woolsey Fire has been blamed for two fatalities . More than 430 homes, businesses and other buildings have been destroyed. The fire burned 151 square miles and was 40 percent contained . Its cause remains under investigation.
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Rick Etchieson and Pat Mathews from L&T Towing work into the night to remove a school bus destroyed by the Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif., Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018. SCOTT CLAUSE, USA TODAY Network Fullscreen Destruction caused by the Camp Fire near Magalia, Calif., Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018. SCOTT CLAUSE, USA TODAY Network Fullscreen Sarah Gronseth kisses her dog Branch in the bed of a truck in a parking lot, Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018, in Chico Calif. Gronseth, a teacher, evacuated some of her high school students in her truck as the fire bore down on the high school in Paradise, Calif. She lost her home in the fire. John Locher, AP Fullscreen Workers check for gas lines amid the damaged homes from the Woolsey Fire on Filaree Heights Road in Malibu, Calif., on Nov. 13, 2018. FREDERIC J. BROWN, AFP/Getty Images Fullscreen Videographer Scott Eason lights a school bus destroyed by the Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif., Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018. SCOTT CLAUSE, USA TODAY Network Fullscreen Work crews remove a school bus destroyed by the Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif., Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018. SCOTT CLAUSE, USA TODAY Network Fullscreen Roger Kelton searches through the remains of his mother-in-law’s home leveled by the Woolsey Fire, Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018, in the southern California city of Agoura Hills. Jae C. Hong, AP Fullscreen Destruction caused by The Camp Fire near Paradise, Calif., Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018. SCOTT CLAUSE, USA TODAY Network Fullscreen Work crews remove a school bus destroyed by the Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018. SCOTT CLAUSE, USA TODAY Network Fullscreen A search and rescue worker searches a car for human remains at a trailer park burned out from the Camp Fire, Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018, in Paradise, Calif. John Locher, AP Fullscreen Helicopters drop water on the Woolsey Fire in the Santa Monica Mountains near Newbury Park, Calif. on Nov. 13, 2018. ROB SCHUMACHER, The Republic via USA TODAY Network Fullscreen Residents of Paradise, Calif. create a temporary housing away from the fire in a Wal Mart parking lot in Chico, Calif. on Nov. 13, 2018. SCOTT CLAUSE, The Daily Advertiser via USA TODAY Network Fullscreen The Woolsey Fire burns in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area near Newbury Park, Calif. on Nov. 13, 2018. ROB SCHUMACHER, The Republic via USA TODAY Network Fullscreen A helicopter flies near the Woolsey Fire burning in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in Newbury Park, Calif. on Nov. 13, 2018. ROB SCHUMACHER, The Republic via USA TODAY Network Fullscreen Jennifer Fuller with her children Sierra, Mary and Bear pick up supplies in Chico, Calif. on Nov. 13, 2018, after surviving the Camp Fire that destroyed their home in Paradise, Calif. SCOTT CLAUSE, The Daily Advertiser via USA TODAY Network Fullscreen Volunteers Paul Aggers and Izzy Taylor distribute free food to neighbors in need in Chico, Calif. on Nov. 13, 2018. SCOTT CLAUSE, The Daily Advertiser via USA TODAY Network Fullscreen Volunteers Paul Aggers and Izzy Taylor distribute free food to neighbors in need in Chico, Calif. on Nov. 13, 2018. SCOTT CLAUSE, The Daily Advertiser via USA TODAY Network Fullscreen Volunteers Paul Aggers and Izzy Taylor distribute free food to neighbors in need in Chico, Calif. on Nov. 13, 2018. SCOTT CLAUSE, The Daily Advertiser via USA TODAY Network Fullscreen Firefighters continue to work around the clock battling the Camp Fire blaze near Butte Valley, Calf., Monday, Nov. 12, 2018. SCOTT CLAUSE, USA TODAY Network Fullscreen Firemen discuss their plan for an overnight shift protecting homes and property from the Camp Fire on Nov. 12, 2018, in Butte Valley, Calif. Thomas Hawthorne, USA TODAY NETWORK Fullscreen Small lines of fire burn near the front line of the Camp Fire Nov. 12, 2018, in Butte Valley, Calif. Thomas Hawthorne, USA TODAY NETWORK Fullscreen The Camp Fire causes extensive damage near Butte Valley, Calf., Monday, Nov. 12, 2018. SCOTT CLAUSE, USA TODAY Network Fullscreen A dog is treated for severe burns on its paws from the Woolsey Fire. Volunteer veterinarians with Veterinary Angels and The Little Angels Project, created a tent at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., to treat animals injured or displaced by the fires. Sandy Hooper, USA TODAY Fullscreen A cat is treated for burns and smoke inhalation from the Woolsey Fire. Volunteer veterinarians with Veterinary Angels and The Little Angels Project, created a tent at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., to treat animals injured or displaced by the fires. Sandy Hooper, USA TODAY Fullscreen Smoke fills the air near the Camp Fire on Nov. 12, 2018, in Butte Valley, Calif. Thomas Hawthorne, USA TODAY NETWORK Fullscreen Firefighters work off of Highway 70 near the Camp Fire on Nov. 12, 2018, in Butte Valley, Calif. Thomas Hawthorne, USA TODAY NETWORK Fullscreen The Camp Fire continues to burn near Butte Valley, Calf., Monday, Nov. 12, 2018. SCOTT CLAUSE, USA TODAY Network Fullscreen Firefighters continue to work 24-hour shifts battling the Camp Fire blaze near Butte Valley, Calf., Monday, Nov. 12, 2018. SCOTT CLAUSE, USA TODAY Network Fullscreen The Camp Fire causes extensive destruction near Butte Valley, Calf., Monday, Nov. 12, 2018. SCOTT CLAUSE, USA TODAY Network Fullscreen Linda Stamper’s backyard is covered in fire retardant as the Hill Fire burns on Nov. 12, 2018, in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Ventura County firefighters saved all the homes in the area. ROB SCHUMACHER, The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Network Fullscreen Firefighters put out hotspots as the Hill Fire burns on Nov. 12, 2018, in Thousand Oaks, Calif. ROB SCHUMACHER, The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Network Fullscreen Firefighters put out a fire on a roof as the Hill Fire burns on Nov. 12, 2018, in Thousand Oaks, Calif. ROB SCHUMACHER, The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Network Fullscreen A firefighter puts out hotspots as the Hill Fire burns on Nov. 12, 2018, in Thousand Oaks, Calif. ROB SCHUMACHER, The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Network Fullscreen A firefighter puts out hotspots as the Hill Fire burns on Nov. 12, 2018, in Thousand Oaks, Calif. ROB SCHUMACHER, The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Network Fullscreen A helicopter drops water on the Hill Fire in Thousand Oaks, Calif. on Nov. 12, 2018. ROB SCHUMACHER, The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Network Fullscreen Residents evacuate with their pets as the Hill Fire burns on Nov. 12, 2018, in Thousand Oaks, Calif. ROB SCHUMACHER, The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Network Fullscreen Firefighters put out a hotspot as the Hill Fire burns on Nov. 12, 2018, in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Ventura County firefighters saved all the homes in the area. ROB SCHUMACHER, The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Network Fullscreen Residents are escorted to safety as the Hill Fire burns on Nov. 12, 2018, in Thousand Oaks, Calif. ROB SCHUMACHER, The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Network Fullscreen Water flies from a hose at the Hill Fire on Nov. 12, 2018, in Thousand Oaks, Calif. ROB SCHUMACHER, The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Network Fullscreen The Camp Fire swept through Paradise, CA destroying more than 6,500 structures and the death toll has risen to 23. November 11, 2018. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network Fullscreen The Camp Fire swept through Paradise, California, destroying more than 6,500 structures. Scott Clause, USA TODAY Network Fullscreen The Camp Fire swept through Paradise, Calif. destroying more than 6,500 structures. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network Fullscreen Nov 11, 2018; Westlake Village, CA, USA; A helicopter prepares to drop water on flames from the Woolsey Fire on Nov. 11, 2018, in Westlake Village, Calif. ROB SCHUMACHER, Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Network Fullscreen An air tanker drops retardant on the Camp Fire near Paradise, Calif. on Nov. 11, 2018. TREVOR HUGHES, USA TODAY Fullscreen The charred landscape in Paradise, Calif. left by the Camp Fire on Nov. 11, 2018. SCOTT CLAUSE, The Daily Advertiser via USA TODAY Network Fullscreen Firefighters from Glendale, Calif. battle flames from the Woolsey Fire on Nov. 11, 2018, in Westlake Village, Calif. ROB SCHUMACHER, Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Network Fullscreen The charred landscape in Paradise, Calif. left by the Camp Fire on Nov. 11, 2018. SCOTT CLAUSE, The Daily Advertiser via USA TODAY Network Fullscreen Disa Grant watches firefighters battle flames from the Woolsey Fire on Nov. 11, 2018, in Westlake Village, Calif. ROB SCHUMACHER, Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Network Fullscreen The charred landscape in Paradise, Calif. left by the Camp Fire on Nov. 11, 2018. SCOTT CLAUSE, The Daily Advertiser via USA TODAY Network Fullscreen Heavy smoke blankets the forest where the Camp Fire is burning near Paradise, Calif., on Nov. 11, 2018. TREVOR HUGHES, USA TODAY Fullscreen Sgt. Nathan Lyberger of the Yuba County Sheriff Department, prepares a bag to move human remains found at a burned out home at the Camp Fire on Nov. 11, 2018, in Paradise, Calif. JOHN LOCHER, AP Fullscreen The remains of the Ridgewood trailer park lay empty days after the Camp Fire swept through town on Nov. 11, 2018, in Paradise, Calif. THOMAS HAWTHORNE, The Arizona Republic-USA TODAY Network Fullscreen A firefighter looks through a home destroyed by the Camp Fire where human remains were found on Nov. 11, 2018, in Paradise, Calif. JOHN LOCHER, AP Fullscreen Smoke rises above the Plumas National Forrest near Concow, Calif. on Nov. 11, 2018. HUNG T. VU, Record Searchlight via USA TODAY Network Fullscreen Santos Alvarado, right, and his son Ricky recover a safe from their destroyed home at Seminole Springs Mobile Home Park on Nov. 11, 2018, following devastating wildfires in the area in Agoura Hills, Calif. CHRIS PIZZELLO, AP Fullscreen The charred remains of a home in Malibu, Calif. on Nov. 11, 2018 caused by the Woosley Fire. ROBERT HANASHIRO, USA TODAY Fullscreen The charred remains of a home in Malibu, Calif. on Nov. 11, 2018 caused by the Woosley Fire. ROBERT HANASHIRO, USA TODAY Fullscreen Fire burns in Concow, Calif. on Nov. 11, 2018. HUNG T. VU, Record Searchlight via USA TODAY Network Fullscreen The remains of the Rock House, Dining & Espresso restaurant destroyed by the Camp Fire in Yankee Hill, Calif. on Nov. 11, 2018. HUNG T. VU, Record Searchlight via USA TODAY Network Fullscreen The charred landscape in Paradise, Calif. left by the Camp Fire on Nov. 11, 2018. SCOTT CLAUSE, The Daily Advertiser via USA TODAY Network Fullscreen The charred landscape in Paradise, Calif. left by the Camp Fire on Nov. 11, 2018. SCOTT CLAUSE, The Daily Advertiser via USA TODAY Network Fullscreen Firefighters put out flareup on a hill in West Hills during the Woolsey Fire in Southern California on Nov. 10, 2018. Omar Ornelas, The Desert Sun-USA TODAY NETWORK Fullscreen Residents look over the damage to a home on Dume Road in Malibu, Calif, which was overrun by the Woosley Fire. The Woosley Fire as of Nov.10, 2018 has consumed 70,000 acres. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Network Fullscreen Horses from the White Cloud Ranch on Kanan Road in Malibu are moved from the property on Nov. 10, 2018, after the Woosley Fire blazed through the area. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY NETWORK Fullscreen Smoke from the Camp Fire is seen in and around Paradise, Calif., on Nov. 10, 2018. Jason Bean, Reno Gazette-Journal-USA TODAY Network Fullscreen Destruction from the Camp Fire is seen in and around Paradise, Calif., on Nov. 10, 2018. Jason Bean, Reno Gazette-Journal-USA TODAY NETWORK Fullscreen Destruction from the Camp Fire is seen in and around Paradise, Calif., on Nov. 10, 2018. Jason Bean, Reno Gazette-Journal-USA TODAY NETWORK Fullscreen A U.S. flag is displayed at half-staff to honor the shooting victims as the Woolsey fire burns on the hill behind a home in Westlake Village. Twelve people were shot and killed Wednesday by gunman Ian David Long who opened fire at the Borderline Bar and Grill. Rob Schumacher, The Arizona Republic-USA TODAY NETWORK Fullscreen Flames from the Woolsey Fire threaten hillside homes in Westlake Village, Ca., Nov. 9, 2018. Jay Calderon, The Desert Sun-USA TODAY NETWORK Fullscreen A firefighting air tanker is used to fight the Woolsey Fire as it threatens hillside homes in Westlake Village, Ca., Nov. 9, 2018. Jay Calderon, The Desert Sun-USA TODAY NETWORK Fullscreen Stanley the Giraffe, one of several exotic animals at Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu, California, is shrouded in smoke in the aftermath of the Woosley Fire on Nov 10, 2018. The animals on the ranch survived, but several buildings on the property we destroyed or damaged by the fire. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY NETWORK Fullscreen Firefighters battle flames at a burning apartment complex in Paradise, north of Sacramento, Calif. on Nov. 09, 2018. A rapidly spreading, late-season wildfire in northern California has burned 20,000 acres of land and prompted authorities to issue evacuation orders for thousands of people. As many as 1000 homes, a hospital, a Safeway store and scores of other structures have burned in the area as the Camp fire tore through the region. Josh Edelson, AFP/Getty Images Fullscreen Burned out trucks and a building on the Saddlerock Ranch property in Malibu, Calif, in the aftermath of the Woosley Fire that as of Nov 10, 2018, reportedly consumed 70,000 acres. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY NETWORK Fullscreen Alexander Tobolsky, right, and his girl friend Dina Arias, return to his home where burned out by the fire in Malibu, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Officials took advantage of temporarily calm conditions Saturday to assess damage from the blaze that’s burned 109 square miles outside downtown Los Angeles. Ringo H.W. Chiu, AP Fullscreen A police cruiser patrols the neighborhood where the ABC TV series “The Bachelor” is filmed in Beverly Hills, on Nov 10, 2018. The house where series is produced is still standing. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY NETWORK Fullscreen Paradise Elementary School buildings were burned down after the Camp Fire Nov. 9, 2018 in Chico, Calif. Hung T. Vu, Record Searchlight- USA TODAY Network Fullscreen Araya Cipollini, 19, holds on to her dog T.J. near the burned out remnants of her neighbor’s home burned in the Camp Fire, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Paradise, Calif. Cipollini and her family lost their home nearby in the fire. John Locher, AP Fullscreen Destruction as seen from the business in the downtown area in Paradise Nov. 9, 2018 in Chico, Calif. Hung T. Vu, Record Searchlight- USA TODAY Network Fullscreen The charred remains of the burned out home are seen in Malibu, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Officials took advantage of temporarily calm conditions Saturday to assess damage from the blaze that’s burned 109 square miles outside downtown Los Angeles. Ringo H.W. Chiu, AP Fullscreen Flames send smoke into an Agoura Hills neighborhood in California on Nov. 9, 2018. The Woosley Fire in Ventura County has grown to over 35,000 acres and forced the evacuation of many residents. Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY NETWORK Fullscreen A burned electricity pole fell on an abandoned car along Skyway as seen on Nov. 9, 2018 in Chico, Calif. Cars were abandoned along Skyway at the north end of the town as people tried to escaped on a 2 lanes road. Hung T. Vu, Record Searchlight- USA TODAY Network Fullscreen Destruction as seen from the business in the downtown area in Paradise Nov. 9, 2018 in Chico, Calif. Hung T. Vu, Record Searchlight- USA TODAY Network Fullscreen In this Friday, Nov. 9, 2018 photo, smoke from the wildires fills the air in Malibu, Calif. Los Angeles County fire Chief Daryl Osby said Saturday that firefighters told him they were working in the toughest, most extreme conditions they had seen in their lives on Friday night. He says conditions are far better Saturday, with a lull in winds that are expected to return Sunday. Ben Watkins, via AP Fullscreen Bakersfield, California-based firefighter Marc Eyherebide, 33, sprays down a destroyed home with water to prevent it from sparking any more fires in Paradise, Calif., following the Camp Fire devastation on Nov. 9, 2018. Trevor Hughes/USA TODAY Fullscreen A house burns during the Woolsey Fire, Friday, in Malibu, Calif. ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images Fullscreen Cathy Fallon wipes her face beside her son Gabriel Fallon as she stands near the charred remains of her home Friday, in Paradise, Calif. “I’ll be darned if I’m gonna let those horses burn in the fire” said Fallon, who stayed on her property to protect her 14 horses, “It has to be true love.” All of the horses survived. John Locher/AP Fullscreen A helicopter drops water on a brush fire behind a home during the Woolsey Fire in Malibu, Calif., Friday. Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP Fullscreen Firefighters push a vehicle from a garage as a wildfire fire burns a home near Malibu Lake in Malibu, Calif. Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP Fullscreen Smoke hangs over the utterly destroyed Ridgewood mobile home park in Paradise, Calif., following the Camp Fire devastation. Trevor Hughes/USA TODAY Fullscreen Fires burn toward homes on, Nov. 9, 2018, as seen from a helicopter over the Calabasas section of Los Angeles. Flames driven by powerful winds torched dozens of hillside homes in Southern California, burning parts of tony Calabasas and mansions in Malibu and forcing tens of thousands of people — including some celebrities — to flee as the fire marched across the Santa Monica Mountains toward the sea. Mark J. Terrill/AP Fullscreen A man rides on along the Pacific Coast Highway as the heavy smoke rises over the the Santa Monica Mountains during the Woolsey fire in Malibu, Calif. Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP Fullscreen The Woolsey fire burns the bridge on Mulholland Highway near Kanan Road in Malibu, Calif., on Nov. 9, 2018. Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP Fullscreen Flames approach a house, Friday with a loud roaring sound, during the Woolsey Fire on in Malibu, Calif. David McNew/Getty Images Fullscreen People enjoy the day in the beach as the heavy smoke rises over the the Santa Monica Mountains during the Woolsey fire in Malibu, Calif., on Friday. Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP Fullscreen Linda Gould tends to her horse after they were evacuated as the Woolsey Fire sweeps through Malibu, Calif. MIKE NELSON/EPA-EFE Fullscreen Traffic jams the southbound lanes of Pacific Coast Highway as all of the city of Malibu is evacuated to flee advancing flames during the Woolsey Fire on Nov. 9, 2018 in Malibu, Calif. About 75,000 homes have been evacuated in Los Angeles and Ventura counties due to two fires in the region. David McNew/Getty Images Fullscreen The burned remains of the Paradise Elementary school is seen Friday. Blocks and blocks of homes and businesses in the Northern California town have been destroyed by a wildfire. Parts of the town of Paradise were still on fire on Friday. Rich Pedroncelli/AP Fullscreen A homeowner who was overcome by smoke is attended to by firefighters as the Woolsey Fire swept through the Malibu Lake community. The Woolsey Fire has led to the evacuation order for 75,000 homes. Fires across California fueled by very dry conditions and warm strong Santa Ana winds have destroyed structures and caused fatalities. MIKE NELSON/EPA-EFE Fullscreen Firefighters battle a home on fire at the Malibu Lake community in Malibu, Calif., Friday. MIKE NELSON/EPA-EFE Fullscreen Embers fall from burning palms and the sun is obscured by smoke as flames close in on a house at the Woolsey Fire, Friday. David McNew, David McNew/Getty Images Fullscreen Smoke clouds the air above the remains of a burned-out house and car in Paradise, Calif., following the Camp Fire devastation on Friday. Trevor Hughes/USA TODAY Fullscreen Three cars destroyed by a wildfire sit at a burned out home Friday, in Paradise, Calif. Authorities have confirmed that at least six people have died in the fire that has consumed more than 70,000 acres and destroyed at least 2,000 structures. Rich Pedroncelli/AP Fullscreen Residents take a look at the Woolsey Fire burning brush and trees in Agoura Hills, Calif. About 75,000 homes have been evacuated in Los Angeles and Ventura counties due to two fires in the region. Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images Fullscreen A dog watches from a car as flames approach during the Woolsey Fire on in Malibu, Calif. David McNew/Getty Images Fullscreen Tom Duffy tries to put out his neighbor’s house Friday after the Woolsey Fire swept through the Oak Park neighborhood. JUAN CARLO/THE STAR Fullscreen Cliff Cole watches the Woolsey Fire burn from a Highway 101 overpass Friday morning. He was evacuated from his home and said he wanted to make sure flames didn’t jump the freeway and move toward his house. COLIN ATAGI/THE DESERT SUN Fullscreen A house on Kellwood Court in Oak Park was destroyed by the Woolsey Fire on Friday. JUAN CARLO/THE STAR Fullscreen A firefighter hoses down some trees at Erbes Road and El Monte Drive in Thousand Oaks on Friday. The Woolsey Fire affected several communities in the Conejo Valley. JUAN CARLO/THE STAR Fullscreen Ventura County Supervisor Peter C. Foy, Supervisor Kelly Long and Supervisor Linda Parks stand during a news conference at Conejo Creek Park South on Friday morning. JUAN CARLO/THE STAR Fullscreen Chief Deputy David Richardson, of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, answers questions about the Woolsey Fire at a news conference at Conejo Creek Park South on Friday morning. JUAN CARLO/THE STAR Fullscreen This dog was among three that evacuated with its owner from Malibou Lake on Friday morning because of the Woolsey Fire. COLIN ATAGI/THE DESERT SUN Fullscreen A firefighter jumps a fence that had flames at Erbes Road and El Monte Drive in Thousand Oaks. JUAN CARLO/THE STAR Fullscreen Ryan Duffy, left, and his father Tom Duffy try to put out the fire Friday at their neighbor’s house, which was affected by the Woolsey Fire in Oak Park. JUAN CARLO/THE STAR Fullscreen Residents of Westlake Village watch and wait as the Woolsey Fire sweeps through Triunfo Canyon in Westlake Village, Calif., Nov. 9, 2018. Jay Calderon/The Desert Sun Fullscreen Residents of Westlake Village, Calif. watch the Woolsey Fire as it surrounds Triunfo Canyon on Friday. Jay Calderon/The Desert Sun Fullscreen The Woolsey Fire threatens hillside homes in Westlake Village, Calif. Jay Calderon/The Desert Sun Fullscreen A man tries to prevent fire from reaching his Westlake Village, Calif. home. Jay Calderon/The Desert Sun Fullscreen A firefighting air tanker is used to fight the Woolsey Fire as it threatens hillside homes in Westlake Village. Jay Calderon/The Desert Sun Fullscreen Flames from the Woolsey Fire threaten hillside homes in Westlake Village. Jay Calderon/The Desert Sun Fullscreen Flames from the Woolsey Fire threaten hillside homes in Westlake Village. Jay Calderon/The Desert Sun Fullscreen A resident wearing a breathing mask runs down Shadow Oaks Place in Thousand Oaks, Calif., as smoke from flames in a hill above the homes fills the neighborhood. Some residents decided to leave their homes as firefighters kept a watchful eye on the fire. Robert Hanashiro/USA TODAY Fullscreen Jeff Riley waits to be evacuated from his home on Shadow Oaks Place, in Thousand Oaks, Calif., with the family dog. Flames on a hill above the neighborhood caused residents to leave their homes. Robert Hanashiro/USA TODAY Fullscreen A neighbor walks by a house on fire on Lafitte Dr. in Oak Park, Calif. early Friday. Jay Calderon/The Desert Sun Fullscreen Residents of Westlake Village, Calif.. watch the Woolsey Fire on Friday. Jay Calderon/The Desert Sun Fullscreen Residents of Westlake Village, Calif.watch the Woolsey Fire as it surrounds Triunfo Canyon. Jay Calderon/The Desert Sun Fullscreen A firefighter works on a home that caught on fire in Oak Park, November 9, 2018. Jay Calderon/The Desert Sun Fullscreen Tina Weeks jumps into her car to evacuate after her neighbors house became fully engulfed by the Woolsey Fire in Oak Park, Ca., in the early morning of November 9, 2018. Jay Calderon/The Desert Sun Fullscreen The Woolsey Fire burns a home on Lafitte Dr. in Oak Park, November 9, 2018. Jay Calderon/The Desert Sun Fullscreen A fire fighter take cover as high winds whip embers, as the Camp Fire burned out of control through Paradise, fueled by high winds in Butte County, Calif. Nov. 8, 2018. The nearby communities of Pulga, Paradise and Concow, have been ordered to evacuate the area. PETER DASILVA, EPA-EFE Fullscreen Firefighters battle the Camp Fire as it tears through Paradise, Calif., Nov. 8, 2018. Noah Berger, AP Fullscreen Fire rages through neighborhoods as the Camp Fire burns out of control through Paradise, fueled by high winds in Butte County, Calif., Nov. 8, 2018. PETER DASILVA, EPA-EFE Fullscreen The massive plume from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., wafts over the Sacramento Valley as seen from Chico, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2018. DAVID LITTLE, The Chico Enterprise-Record via AP Fullscreen The Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2018. NOAH BERGER, AP Fullscreen Medical personnel evacuate patients as the Feather River Hospital burns while the Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2018. NOAH BERGER, AP Fullscreen Flames consume a home as the Camp Fire tears through Paradise, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2018. NOAH BERGER, AP Fullscreen Medical personnel evacuate patients as the Feather River Hospital burns while the Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2018. NOAH BERGER, AP Fullscreen A home burns as the Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2018. NOAH BERGER, AP Fullscreen A piece of a burned page that fell out of the sky in Chico, Calif. on Nov. 8, 2018, as the Camp Fire burns nearby. NICOLE KOWALCZYKE, AP Fullscreen Smoke from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., darkens the sky as seen from Highway 99 near Marysville, Calif. on Nov. 8, 2018. DON THOMPSON, AP Fullscreen The Hill fire burns in Camarillo, Calif. on Nov. 8, 2018 as it crosses U.S. Highway 101, at center right, threatening hundreds of homes. CBS2/KCAL9 via AP Fullscreen A wildfire burns on Nov. 8, 2018, near Newbury Park, Calif. MARCIO JOSE SANCHEZ, AP Fullscreen A police officer mans a checkpoint in front of an advancing wildfire on Nov. 8, 2018, near Newbury Park, Calif. MARCIO JOSE SANCHEZ, AP Fullscreen A police officer mans a checkpoint in front of an advancing wildfire Nov. 8, 2018, near Newbury Park, Calif. MARCIO JOSE SANCHEZ, AP Fullscreen A home burns as the Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2018. NOAH BERGER, AP Fullscreen The Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2018. NOAH BERGER, AP Fullscreen Medical workers move equipment from a makeshift emergency room while the Feather River Hospital burns as the Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2018. NOAH BERGER, AP Fullscreen Medical personnel evacuate patients as the Feather River Hospital burns while the Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2018. NOAH BERGER, AP Fullscreen Flames consume a building as the Camp Fire tears through Paradise, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2018. NOAH BERGER, AP Fullscreen Flames consume a car and building as the Camp Fire tears through Paradise, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2018. NOAH BERGER, AP Fullscreen A vintage car rests among debris as the Camp Fire tears through Paradise, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2018. NOAH BERGER, AP Fullscreen A home burns as the Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2018. NOAH BERGER, AP Fullscreen Interested in this topic? 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The winds drive down the humidity, helping turn vegetation to tinder in an area that hasn’t seen rain in a month. Relief in the form of precipitation remains a week away, and the winds probably will stay a force into Wednesday, AccuWeather warned.
Four days after it started, Chief Daryl Osby, of Los Angeles County Fire Department, said progress against the Woolsey Fire was encouraging.
“(We’re) getting the upper hand here. …There is a lot of confidence as it relates to the containment and control of this fire. We’re feeling better. Our containment percentages have increased,” he said Tuesday at a news conference.
Contributing: Jorge L. Ortiz and Cydney Henderson, USA TODAY; Alayna Shulman, Redding Record Searchlight; Ventura County Star; The Associated Press.