California wildfire roars back to life again, prompts new evacuations

Two deadly wildfires continued to burn largely out of control in California on Wednesday – driven by tinder-dry conditions and hurricane-strength winds.

In the south, the Woolsey Fire ripped through 50 acres in the Santa Monica Mountains in 30 minutes on Tuesday morning as gusts of 85mph caused a flare-up, even as thousands of people were allowed back to their homes.

Meanwhile in the north, six more bodies were found among the ashes of Paradise – a town completely incinerated by the fire – bringing the death toll from that fire alone to 48, the deadliest in state history.

The state-wide death toll now stands at 50, including a couple who died in the Woolsey Fire, though more than 200 people are still unaccounted for.

The Woolsey Fire was 40 percent contained at 8pm Tuesday having already torched an area the size of Denver, with high winds expected to continue into Wednesday before dying out.

The Camp Fire was just 35 percent contained, as infrared satellite images revealed some of the destruction the fire has caused and the ferocity of the flames firefighters are battling.  

The Woolsey fire continued to burn largely out of control in southern California on Tuesday night after hurricane-strength winds fanned flames in the Santa Monica Mountains, causing a flare-up which burned 50 acres in 30 minutes (pictured left)

Palls of smoke poured off the mountains on Tuesday morning as the fire whipped itself up, even as thousands of people further to the east were allowed to return to their homes 

Palls of smoke poured off the mountains on Tuesday morning as the fire whipped itself up, even as thousands of people further to the east were allowed to return to their homes 

The blaze (seen on Tuesday) has prompted new evacuations at the same time thousands of residents are finally being allowed back into their neighborhoods after the Woolsey Fire first ignited on Tuesday 

The blaze (seen on Tuesday) has prompted new evacuations at the same time thousands of residents are finally being allowed back into their neighborhoods after the Woolsey Fire first ignited on Tuesday 

Authorities believe the new flare-up (pictured) was caused by what are known as 'red flag conditions', in which low humidity and high winds combine to make the perfect conditions for a wildland fire combustion 

Authorities believe the new flare-up (pictured) was caused by what are known as ‘red flag conditions’, in which low humidity and high winds combine to make the perfect conditions for a wildland fire combustion 

Meanwhile satellite images revealed the extent of the devastation near Paradise, in the north of the state. The left image shows the community of Magalia, just next to Paradise, back in December. The image on the right shows an infrared image of the flames in Magalia on Friday, by which time Paradise itself – seen bottom left – was already destroyed

A NASA satellite took this image of the Camp Fire on Monday. The town of Paradise, where the majority of those killed in the blaze have been found, was covered by a thick pall of smoke

A NASA satellite took this image of the Camp Fire on Monday. The town of Paradise, where the majority of those killed in the blaze have been found, was covered by a thick pall of smoke

This image was released by NASA on Tuesday but was taken last week, on November 9, and shows smoke rising from both the Camp and Woolsey fires at either end of the state

This image was released by NASA on Tuesday but was taken last week, on November 9, and shows smoke rising from both the Camp and Woolsey fires at either end of the state

Cal Fire Chief Ken Pimlott told Fox News that there is ‘no end in sight’ for the dry weather which has turned California into a tinder-box.  

Authorities believe the flare-up was caused by what are known as ‘red flag conditions’, in which low humidity and high winds combine to make the perfect conditions for a wildland fire combustion. 

‘It’s critically dry with incredibly strong winds, so that really puts us back into a day where we could see rapid fire spread as a result of any new fires or flare-ups,’ Cal Fire Division Chief Chris Anthony told the Los Angeles Times. 

‘We are not out of the woods yet,’ added Ventura County Fire Chief Mark Lorenzen. ‘We still have incredibly tough conditions ahead of us.’

Thankfully firefighters were already in a nearby area and quickly responded to the newest blaze. A red flag warning will remain in effect in the region until 5pm on Wednesday. 

Red flag warnings were also raised in the San Diego area through Wednesday and San Diego Gas & Electric has begun shutting down electricity in fire-prone areas.    

An airplane flies over a large wildfire plume from a recent flareup of the Woolsey Fire near Lake Sherwood on Tuesday 

An airplane flies over a large wildfire plume from a recent flareup of the Woolsey Fire near Lake Sherwood on Tuesday 

Actor James Woods tweeted this photo of the California fires from above the clouds as he took off from Los Angeles on Tuesday evening, while firefighters battled the blazes miles below him

Actor James Woods tweeted this photo of the California fires from above the clouds as he took off from Los Angeles on Tuesday evening, while firefighters battled the blazes miles below him

Tyler J Duncan snapped photos of the flare-up from California State University, Channel Islands on Tuesday (pictured)

Tyler J Duncan snapped photos of the flare-up from California State University, Channel Islands on Tuesday (pictured)

Dangerous high winds of 25 to 40mph are expected to last until Wednesday afternoon, and could peak at 55mph on Tuesday afternoon. Pictured is the flare-up on Tuesday from California State University, Channel Islands

Dangerous high winds of 25 to 40mph are expected to last until Wednesday afternoon, and could peak at 55mph on Tuesday afternoon. Pictured is the flare-up on Tuesday from California State University, Channel Islands

A red flag warning will remain in effect in the region until 5pm on Wednesday. Pictured is the flare-up on Tuesday afternoon

A red flag warning will remain in effect in the region until 5pm on Wednesday. Pictured is the flare-up on Tuesday afternoon

Authorities sent aircraft to drop retardant and water on the new blaze as it broke out near the community of Lake Sherwood on Tuesday (pictured) 

Authorities sent aircraft to drop retardant and water on the new blaze as it broke out near the community of Lake Sherwood on Tuesday (pictured) 

Forecasters had warned of continuing fire danger in Southern California due to persistent Santa Ana winds, the withering, dry gusts that sweep out of the interior toward the coast, pushing back moist ocean breezes. Pictured is the blaze on Tuesday

Forecasters had warned of continuing fire danger in Southern California due to persistent Santa Ana winds, the withering, dry gusts that sweep out of the interior toward the coast, pushing back moist ocean breezes. Pictured is the blaze on Tuesday

Fire officials lifted evacuation orders early Tuesday in all or parts of about five communities in Ventura and Los Angeles counties – including the star-studded Hidden Hills, Calabasas, and Malibu. 

But large, populated areas remained off-limits and authorities warned residents of those areas to stay out, saying there were hazards including downed power lines, embers that could re-ignite, buckled roads, and lack of power and communications. 

There was some good news for Southern California. The Hill Fire, which has also been burning through the weekend, was 90 percent contained Tuesday after scorching 4, 531 acres in Ventura County.   

In Northern California, the first five victims of the Camp Fire – now the deadliest wildfire in the state’s history – were identified.    

Ernest Foss, 63, of Paradise, and Jesus ‘Zeus’ Fernandez, 48, of Concow, were named as friends and family paid tributes to them on social media.

Carl Wiley, 77, of Maglia, and Ellen Walker, in her 70s, of Concow, were also killed in the deadly blaze. Family members of Lolene Rios, 58, have also identified her as another victim in Paradise. 

The Camp Fire now also ranks as the most destructive fire on record in California, having leveled more than 7,100 homes and other buildings since it erupted on Thursday and tore across 130,000 acres.

Ernest Foss, 63, has been identified as one of the victims of California's Camp Fire

Jesus 'Zeus' Fernandez, 48, also perished in the flames

Ernest Foss, 63, of Paradise (left), and Jesus ‘Zeus’ Fernandez, 48, of Concow (right), both died in the Camp Fire in California

Family members of Lolene Rios, 58, (right) have also identified her as another victim in Paradise. Her husband Rick Rios, 69, (left) barely made it out of their home alive 

Family members of Lolene Rios, 58, (right) have also identified her as another victim in Paradise. Her husband Rick Rios, 69, (left) barely made it out of their home alive 

Northern California's Camp Fire has become the deadliest wildfire in state history as the death toll climbs to 48. A body is recovered from the Ridewood Mobile Home Park on Monday

Northern California’s Camp Fire has become the deadliest wildfire in state history as the death toll climbs to 48. A body is recovered from the Ridewood Mobile Home Park on Monday

Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea revealed that the remains of 13 additional people were located on Monday. Honea said 10 human remains were located in Paradise. Seven of those were found in homes and three outside

Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea revealed that the remains of 13 additional people were located on Monday. Honea said 10 human remains were located in Paradise. Seven of those were found in homes and three outside

A volunteer search and rescue crew from Calaveras County comb through a home destroyed by the Camp Fire in Paradise on Tuesday afternoon 

A volunteer search and rescue crew from Calaveras County comb through a home destroyed by the Camp Fire in Paradise on Tuesday afternoon 

This map shows the location of the Camp, Hill and Woolsey fires in California. In total, 44 people have died in the blazes

The other three remains were found in the Concow area, two were outside homes and one was inside a home. Charred remains of mobile homes are seen in Paradise

The other three remains were found in the Concow area, two were outside homes and one was inside a home. Charred remains of mobile homes are seen in Paradise

Honea said his team is working to identify the remains and notify the next of kin as soon as possible.Forensic investigators search a community swimming pool for victims of the Camp Fire in Paradise on Tuesday 

Honea said his team is working to identify the remains and notify the next of kin as soon as possible.Forensic investigators search a community swimming pool for victims of the Camp Fire in Paradise on Tuesday 

A volunteer search and rescue crew from Calaveras County comb through a home destroyed by the Camp Fire in Paradise on Tuesday afternoon 

A volunteer search and rescue crew from Calaveras County comb through a home destroyed by the Camp Fire in Paradise on Tuesday afternoon 

Paradise is a popular retirement community with a quarter of the population there over the age of 65. 

Rios and her husband Rick, 69, had both relocated in Paradise after losing their home to another fire in Concow in the 1990s.

The retired couple, like many in the town, only found out about the blaze when it was too late. 

Rick saw their neighbor’s house up in flames and went on the roof, hoping he could still save their house by taking out any spot fires.

Coroner search teams, many accompanied by a chaplain, have fanned out across Paradise, visiting dozens of addresses that belong to people reported missing since last week's explosive blaze 

Coroner search teams, many accompanied by a chaplain, have fanned out across Paradise, visiting dozens of addresses that belong to people reported missing since last week’s explosive blaze 

Authorities were bringing more resources in to find the dead - two mobile morgue units and dozens of additional search and rescue personnel 

Authorities were bringing more resources in to find the dead – two mobile morgue units and dozens of additional search and rescue personnel 

When a body is found, a call goes out, yellow police tape goes up - and the blue body bag arrives. In many cases, there is almost nothing left 

When a body is found, a call goes out, yellow police tape goes up – and the blue body bag arrives. In many cases, there is almost nothing left 

Honea said authorities have brought in 13 special search-and-recovery teams to seek out any further victims from the Camp Fire, and have requested additional cadaver-dog crews (pictured) to assist in the search for human remains

Honea said authorities have brought in 13 special search-and-recovery teams to seek out any further victims from the Camp Fire, and have requested additional cadaver-dog crews (pictured) to assist in the search for human remains

What appears to be figurines from a Christmas nativity scene is seen resting atop a scorched car in Paradise

What appears to be figurines from a Christmas nativity scene is seen resting atop a scorched car in Paradise

A fallen power line is seen on top of burnt out vehicles on the side of the road in Paradise, California after the Camp fire tore through the are

A fallen power line is seen on top of burnt out vehicles on the side of the road in Paradise, California after the Camp fire tore through the are

Rios went to the basement as she began gathering the family’s dogs. In moments, their house was ablaze.

Rick was rescued by firefighters who pulled him off the roof. He is now recovering in the hospital with severe burns on his hands and face, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. 

‘My dad is in a lot of pain,’ Maria Rios said. ‘He keeps saying, “I have no skin, no skin”. As soon as he heard my voice, he broke down. He kept saying, “Everything is gone. Everything is gone.”’ 

Ernie Foss Jr’s daughter, Angela Loo, said her family is devastated by his death. 

Foss, a music teacher, had moved to Paradise eight years ago to escape the rising costs in San Francisco. He had advanced lymphedema and could not walk. He was found outside his home on the street with his dog Bernice.    

Carl Wiley will be buried next to his wife in a cemetery in Magalia, which was also devastated by the Camp Fire.

James Wiley said his father, a former tire recapper for Michelin, will share a headstone with his wife Mary Lee, who died of cancer nearly three decades ago. 

Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said over the weekend that the devastation is so complete in some neighborhoods that ‘it’s very difficult to determine whether or not there may be human remains there’.

‘In some cases, the only remains we are able to recover are bones or bone fragments,’ Honea said, adding that these were so small that coroner’s investigators used a wire basket to sift and sort them.

Honea said his office had received more than 1,500 requests for ‘welfare checks’ from people concerned about the fate of their loved ones.

Authorities have set up a rapid DNA analysis system and brought in cadaver dogs and mobile morgue units from the military in an intensified effort to find and identify victims. They have also requested 150 additional search-and-rescue personnel.  

Cafe tables and umbrellas stand idle as the remains of Mama Celeste's Gastropub and Pizzeria lies in ruins after wildfires devastated the area in Paradise, California

Cafe tables and umbrellas stand idle as the remains of Mama Celeste’s Gastropub and Pizzeria lies in ruins after wildfires devastated the area in Paradise, California

Chaplains accompanied some coroner search teams that visited dozens of addresses belonging to people reported missing.  

As the Camp Fire continues to rage, it is blanketing the Bay Area in massive amounts of smoke that have led to an increase in flight delays at San Francisco Airport due to reduced visibility.

The airport was experiencing an average of 30 minute delays as of Tuesday morning, according to SFO spokesman Doug Yakel. 

The 48 confirmed fatalities in northern California surpasses the all-time record number of deaths from a California wildfire – 29 in 1933 from the Griffith Park blaze in Los Angeles.

Earlier on Monday, two new wildfires broke out in Southern California.  Pictured is the Peak fire on California State Route 118

Earlier on Monday, two new wildfires broke out in Southern California. Pictured is the Peak fire on California State Route 118

The California Highway Patrol has since closed part of the 118 freeway as firefighters worked to fight back against the blaze 

The California Highway Patrol has since closed part of the 118 freeway as firefighters worked to fight back against the blaze 

On Monday, President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration for California at the request of Governor Jerry Brown, hastening the availability of federal emergency assistance to fire-stricken regions of the state.

The major-disaster declaration from Trump will make victims eligible for crisis counseling, housing and unemployment help, and legal aid. 

Trump’s announcement came just days after he was criticized for his initial response to the raging wildfires. 

‘There is no reason for these massive, deadly and costly forest fires in California except that forest management is so poor,’ Trump said in a series of tweets on Saturday.

‘Billions of dollars are given each year, with so many lives lost, all because of gross mismanagement of the forests. Remedy now, or no more Fed payments!’

Trump spoke briefly about the fires again on Tuesday, saying there were more victims ‘than anybody would ever even think possible’.  

On Tuesday it was also announced that US Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke would cancel a planned trip to Asia at the direction of the White House and travel to California instead. 

Zinke will first travel to Paradise and then head to Southern California to visit a community that has been devastated by the Woolsey Fire. He also plans to meet with Brown.     

In response to Trump’s comments, Brown said that federal and state governments must do more forest management but said that’s not the source of the problem.

‘Managing all the forests everywhere we can does not stop climate change,’ Brown said. ‘And those who deny that are definitely contributing to the tragedies that we’re now witnessing, and will continue to witness in the coming years.’ 

Brown warned that it would take ‘hundreds of billions’ of dollars to continue to fight California’s growing number of wildfires and blamed climate change for ‘threatening our whole way of life’. 

‘This is not the new normal,’ he said. ‘This is the new abnormal.’ 

An air tanker drops water on a fire along the Ronald Reagan Freeway in Simi Valley, California on Monday

An air tanker drops water on a fire along the Ronald Reagan Freeway in Simi Valley, California on Monday

The fires have spread with an erratic intensity that has strained resources and kept firefighters struggling to keep up with the flames while catching many residents by surprise

The fires have spread with an erratic intensity that has strained resources and kept firefighters struggling to keep up with the flames while catching many residents by surprise

The remains of some of the Camp Fire victims were found in burned-out vehicles (pictured) that were overrun by walls of fire as evacuees tried to flee by car in panic, only to be trapped in deadly knots of traffic gridlock on Thursday night

The remains of some of the Camp Fire victims were found in burned-out vehicles (pictured) that were overrun by walls of fire as evacuees tried to flee by car in panic, only to be trapped in deadly knots of traffic gridlock on Thursday night

The search for victims, both human and non-human, continued on Monday in Paradise

The search for victims, both human and non-human, continued on Monday in Paradise

A wildfire-ravaged property is seen Monday in Malibu. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl Osby says he expects further damage assessments to show that hundreds more homes have been lost on top of the 370 already counted

A wildfire-ravaged property is seen Monday in Malibu. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl Osby says he expects further damage assessments to show that hundreds more homes have been lost on top of the 370 already counted

A horse evacuated by members of the Humane Society of Ventura County from an area affected by a wildfire in Malibu

A horse evacuated by members of the Humane Society of Ventura County from an area affected by a wildfire in Malibu

The inside of a car that was completely incinerated as the Woolsey fire burned through Malibu over the weekend 

The inside of a car that was completely incinerated as the Woolsey fire burned through Malibu over the weekend 

Gerard Butler, Miley Cyrus, Robin Thicke, Neil Young, and Camille Grammer Meyer of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills were among those whose Malibu homes were destroyed in the Woolsey fire.

Meanwhile the Kardashian clan, Simon Cowell, Will Smith, Lady Gaga and Martin Sheen were among other those who had to evacuate the star-studded Malibu and Calabasas areas. 

The Camp fire originated on Camp Creek Road near Highway 70 around 6.30am on Thursday.  Firefighters immediately realized that the blaze would be hard to access, and that the flames were being fanned by 35mph winds. 

Betsy Ann Cowley, who owns land near where the deadly wildfire started in Northern California, said Monday that Pacific Gas & Electric Co sought access to her property a day before the blaze started because the utility’s power lines were causing sparks. The fire started on 64 acres of land in Pulga, California, owned by Cowley.

And, two days before the fire started, PG&E told customers in nine counties, including Butte County, that it might shut off their power November 8 because of extreme fire danger. 

But the utility company called off the shutdown, telling customers nine hours after the Camp Fire began that the weather conditions ‘did not warrant this safety measure’. 

PG&E informed the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) that a high-voltage power line experienced a problem near the origin of the Camp Fire just minutes before the blaze broke out. 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation but CalFire spokesman Scott McLean said ‘electric equipment’ was being included in the probe.   

Robin Thicke's home was also completely destroyed by the fire, leaving nothing more than a pile of rubble and ash behind

Robin Thicke’s home was also completely destroyed by the fire, leaving nothing more than a pile of rubble and ash behind

Aerials show the extent of damage inflicted on Thicke's mansion, which he shares with girlfriend April Love Geary 

Aerials show the extent of damage inflicted on Thicke’s mansion, which he shares with girlfriend April Love Geary 

 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk