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US-FIRE
California fire mostly contained, death toll rises to 84
LOS ANGELES, Nov 23, 2018 (AFP) – The fire that has ravaged northern
California is now almost completely contained, authorities said Thursday as
the death toll rose to 84.
Rain fell in the first measurable amounts in months in the drought-stricken
area and this helped put out hot spots and smouldering fires, the California
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said.
It said the so-called Camp Fire is now 95 percent contained.
The number of people listed as unaccounted for in the deadliest and most
destructive fire in state history stands at 563. Previously the death toll
had been put at 83.
Another three people died in a second major blaze that struck Malibu in
southern California.
In the north, the Camp Fire has scorched 153,000 acres of land and
destroyed more than 13,600 homes since it broke out on November 8.
BSS/AFP/MR/ 1255 hr