Photo Credit: Aaron Brunton

As Fires Continue, Firefighters Gain Ground

The wildfires continue to rage on across California today as 79 deaths have been confirmed.

Camp Fire

The devastating Camp Fire in Paradise is 60% contained with 76 fatalities; one of the deadliest wildfires ever in California’s history. The Camp Fire has been burning in Butte County in the areas of Paradise, Magalia, and Chico. It has burned over 149,000 acres with burning down 9,700 residences, 367 commercial and 2,528 other buildings. Reports of how the fire started are unknown. Firefighters are expecting to contain the fire by November 30th. President Trump approved, on Friday, the “Presidential Major Disaster Declaration” which entitles victims.

First hand account from PARADISE #fire from one of my Facebook friends.???? pic.twitter.com/uMamo3Ks3a
— Rachael L. McIntosh (@EntropyPress) November 15, 2018

Woolsey Fire

The Woolsey Fire is 88% contained with 3 fatalities reported. It started on November 8 near the Rocketdyne facility which is south of Simi Valley. The Woosley Fire has been burning in Los Angeles County and Ventura County in the areas of Malibu, Westlake Village, and Thousand Oaks. Reports of how the fire started are unknown. President Trump approved, on Friday, the “Presidential Major Disaster Declaration” which entitles victims.

Hill Fire

The Hill Fire is 100% contained thanks to the efforts of the California Highway Patrol, Cal Trans, Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas Company, and Camrosa Water District. The Hill Fire burned in Ventura County in Camarillo Springs and Cal State Channel Islands. Hill Fire burned 4,531 acres with 4 structures destroyed and 2 damaged. The cause of the Hill Fire has not yet be determined.

Today, I visited the Incident Command Post in Ventura County to hear from residents and meet with local, state and federal emergency managers. Firefighters and first responders are doing a hell of a job. The whole state is with you. #WoolseyFire pic.twitter.com/4cUdJZlEY2
— Jerry Brown (@JerryBrownGov) November 16, 2018

Last week, President Trump approved an expedited request for a Major Disaster Declaration which came at the request of Governor Jerry Brown. Important to note, this occurred after he previously declared a declared a declaration of emergency on November 8. Essentially, a Major Disaster Declaration provides funds and a wide network of support to affected communities. This includes housing, crisis counseling, unemployment assistance, and legal services.

President Donald Trump spent his Saturday, November 17th, 2018, to visit California to examine the damage caused by the fires.

Incredible to be with our GREAT HEROES today in California. We will always be with you! pic.twitter.com/B1MCTF83Zf
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 18, 2018

The situation overview, according to Cal Fire and local officials, is as follows: