“At least seven people were still missing in Shasta County, California, as shifting winds, dry fuel and steep terrain helped the monstrous Carr Fire engulf almost 100,000 acres by Sunday night, [July 29,] authorities said.”
The fire has claimed six lives so far. Nine of sixteen people reported missing have been found safe. It has been difficult to communicate with residents who leave their cell phones at home.
“The fire, which started a week ago, is only 17% contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, known as Cal Fire.
The blaze doubled in size Saturday. Flames have destroyed at least 874 structures in the area, Cal Fire said.
“High temperatures, low humidity and increased winds are all in the forecast, setting the stage for more explosive fire behavior, Chris Harvey with the Cal Fire Incident Management Team said Sunday. The national Weather Service also warned that forecast conditions would worsen the situation.
“‘A dangerous heat wave will continue from California to the Pacific Northwest early this week. Triple-digit heat combined with dry humidity will only exacerbate the ongoing wildfire situation in California,’ it said on Twitter…
“The erratic flames are blamed for six deaths, including 70-year-old Melody Bledsoe and her great-grandchildren, 4-year-old Emily Roberts and 5-year-old James Roberts. The three had been missing since Thursday when their house was overcome by flames. Family members confirmed Saturday that they died.
“With a heavy heart we are sad to inform you all that Mel and the great-grandbabies were confirmed to be in the home,” the family said. In those final minutes, unable to get to his wife and their great-grandchildren, Ed Bledsoe was able to get through on the phone. Bledsoe broke into sobs as he described speaking to his family by phone as he was rushing to try save them.
“‘He just kept saying ‘Grandpa, come and get me,’ Bledsoe said, referring to 5-year-old James. ‘The fire’s coming in the back door. C’mon Grandpa.’ I said ‘I’m right down the road.’
Another person died as fire consumed another house.
“‘This fire is scary to us. This is something we haven’t seen before in the city,’” said Redding Police Chief Roger Moore. More than 3,300 fire personnel are battling the flames with more than 300 engines and 17 helicopters.
“The fire began July 23 when a vehicle suffered a mechanical failure, officials said. Firefighters had been making progress containing it until Thursday night, when it began to quickly spread. At least two people died fighting the fire, and several others have been hurt. Three Marin County firefighters were treated for burns to the ears, hands and face after they encountered a ‘sudden blast of heat’ from burning vegetation.
“A fourth firefighter was being evaluated at the UC Davis Burn Center, the statement said. Eight people were treated for respiratory and burn-related injuries at Mercy Medical Center in Redding, a hospital spokeswoman said Friday morning.
“The fire forced many residents to gather what they could and escape in just minutes. ‘We didn’t think the fire was going to come here, so we didn’t really take things out like everyone else that was scrambling at the last minute to get out when we saw fire on the ridge,’ Dominic Galvin said. A resident of French Gulch, west of Redding, said she had two hours to evacuate, but some people had only 30 minutes.
The Carr Fire is one of six large wildfires that California has been fighting.
“Important events are about to take place. While the world is asking in scorn, “Where is the promise of His coming?” the signs are rapidly fulfilling. While men are crying, “Peace and safety,” sudden destruction is coming. The Spirit of God is being withdrawn from the earth, and calamity is following calamity by land and by sea. Tempests and earthquakes, fires and floods, are heard of on every hand. Only in God can security be found.” Review and Herald, May 21, 1901.