The number of people listed as missing in one of California’s deadliest wildfires has skyrocketed past 600, authorities said Thursday, as the remains of seven additional victims were found by rescuers.
Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said the number of missing had more than doubled during the day to 631 as investigators went back and checked emergency calls made when the fire broke out a week ago.
“I want you to understand that the chaos we were dealing with was extraordinary” when the fire started, he told journalists, in explaining the staggering new number.
The seven additional victims brings to 63 the number of people who have died in the so-called Camp Fire in northern California. At least three other people have died in southern California in another blaze dubbed the Woolsey Fire.
The wildfire has destroyed roughly 500 structures in Malibu and neighboring areas, as it’s burned more than 98,000 acres with a 62 percent containment.
President Trump is scheduled to travel to the Golden State on Saturday to visit victims of fires in both the northern and southern ends of the state.
Trump is supposed to pay a visit to those who’ve been affected by the flames, White House Deputy Press Secretary Lindsay Walters said.
“We will keep you updated on details as they are available,” Walters said.
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