Aerial view of the city of Paradise, scorched by the deadliest blaze in California history Aerial view of the city of Paradise, scorched by the deadliest blaze in California history 

Rain helps firefighters contain California fire

A fire that ravaged Northern California for more than two weeks is now officially contained. Attention is now turned toward restoration and rebuilding.

By Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp

California State fire officials announced on Sunday that the deadliest wildfire in the United States in the past century is now completely put out.

Spokeswoman Jennifer Erickson said that they are glad to be done with the containment of the fire, but that there is still a lot of work to be done.

The Camp Fire started on 8 November in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada north of Sacramento. In one day it destroyed almost the entire city of Paradise.

Firefighters battled the blaze for two weeks with no help from mother nature.

A winter storm came to their rescue. 18 centimeters of rain dropped from heaven over three days, putting an end to the burning flames.

19 thousand buildings were consumed in its flames.  85 people lost their lives in the fire. 250 people are still unaccounted for. The search for other victims of the fire’s wrath is ongoing.

Residents from evacuated areas are slowly returning to the homes spared by the flames. Crews continue to restore power, telephone lines and gas utilities.

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26 November 2018, 14:56