The death toll from the massive wildfire in the U.S. state of California, dubbed Camp Fire, has climbed to 83 with over 500 still listed as missing, authorities said on Wednesday evening.
According to an update by the Butte County Sheriff, two human remains were found on Wednesday, one in the town of Paradise and another in the town of Magalia, bringing the death toll from 81 to 83. The number of unaccounted individuals decreased by 307 and currently stands at 563.
The fire, which was first reported on Nov. 8 in Butte County, scorched 153,336 acres (620 square kms), with 85 percent contained, and destroyed over 18,000 structures, including 13,503 residences, 514 commercial and 4,404 other buildings, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).
Cal Fire said that Wednesday's precipitation has minimized fire activity and all fire lines are holding. The agency also noted that search and rescue crews continue to secure buildings and conduct a methodical search within the fire area for missing victims.
Local health officer issued a hazard advisory on Wednesday strongly suggesting no habitation of destroyed property until the property is declared clear of hazardous waste and structural ash and debris by Butte County Environmental Health.
They warned that there is evidence from recent fires in California that homes and property destroyed by fire contain high and concerning levels of heavy metals, lead, mercury, dioxin, arsenic, and other carcinogens.
"Some property may have the presence of radio-active materials. Exposure to hazardous substances may lead to acute and chronic health effects, and may cause long-term public health and environmental impacts," said the Butte County Public Health Department in a release.
