US: Northern California fire death toll climbs to 23, 100 more missing Nov. 11 /update 4

Event

On Sunday, November 11, California fire authorities reported that at least 23 people have died from northern California's Camp Fire burning in Butte County. More than 100 more people remain missing and the death toll may climb higher as firefighters gain access to previously burned areas. The Camp Fire is now the third-deadliest fire in state history and the most destructive, with nearly 7000 structures have been destroyed by the blaze, including much of the town of Paradise. A red flag warning is in effect through Monday, November 12, with strong winds of up to 80 km/h (50 mph) likely to push flames in a southwesterly direction, though this will allow firefighters to shore up defenses on the northeastern edges of the blaze.

As of 07:00 (local time) on Sunday, the Camp Fire had burned 44,000 hectares (109,000 acres), a slight increase from the previous evening, and was 25 percent contained. The fire perimeter reaches from Paradise Lake to California Highway 70 (CA-70) down to CA-99 and CA-149. Road closures and evacuation notices remain in effect for the surrounding areas. 

Context

The Camp Fire began around 06:30 on November 8 near Camp Creek Road before rapidly spreading. As of November 10, much of California is under a "red flag warning" indicating that prevailing weather conditions, such as low humidity and strong winds, are conducive for wildfire growth.

Wildfires are common in California from May through November.

Advice

Individuals near the affected areas are advised to closely monitor local news and fire reports, adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders, road closures), be prepared to evacuate, and refrain from outdoor or strenuous activity.