The wildfires continue to rage on across California today as 31 deaths have been confirmed. The Camp Fire in Northern California, Butte County, is the deadliest wildfire  in state history. The Camp Fire has caused 29 confirmed deaths so far. In Southern California, two people have perished in the Woosley Fire in Malibu, which is burning in Los Angeles County and Ventura County in the areas of  Malibu, Westlake Village, and Thousand Oaks. The Hill Fire also continues to burn in Ventura county in Camarillo Springs and Cal State Channel Islands.

More than 250,000 people have responded to evacuation orders in just two days, but many others refused to leave their homes. In Paradise, those who ignored evacuation orders likely have come to regret their decision. Anguished family members unable to track their loved ones simply wait for any news.

Governor Jerry Brown has declared a state of emergency in the State of California. He has requested President Trump  to make a “Presidential Major Disaster Declaration.” Governor Brown was quite clear about why he was requesting this. “If granted, a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration would make individuals in the impacted counties eligible for a number of programs and support, including crisis counseling, housing and unemployment assistance and legal services. The declaration would also help state, tribal and local governments with ongoing emergency response and recovery, including the repair and replacement of disaster-damaged facilities and infrastructure, including roads, bridges and utilities.” However, President Trump has not yet made the requested declaration and has simply promised federal aid.