Nearly 700 still missing in Northern California fire; 79 dead

Nov. 20 (UPI) -- Almost 700 people are still missing in Northern California as firefighters make more progress on the Camp Fire, burning north of San Francisco.

Search teams found two more bodies in the charred aftermath of the Camp Fire in Butte County, Calif., bringing the statewide death toll from recent wildfires to 82.

There are still 699 people unaccounted for, which is down significantly from the weekend when there were nearly 1,300 people missing.

The majority of the dead, 79, were killed in the Camp Fire north of San Francisco. Three died in the Woolsey Fire outside Los Angeles. Dental records and other evidence has helped identify 64 of the Camp Fire victims.

Firefighters made progress on the Camp Fire -- it's 70 percent contained after burning close to 151,400 acres, Cal Fire reports. It's the largest and deadliest wildfire in California's history and has burned more than 15,000 buildings, including more than 11,700 homes, {link:Cal Fire reports : "http://www.fire.ca.gov/current_incidents/incidentdetails/Index/2277" target="_blank"}.

Rain is also in the forecast this week, putting an end to "fire concerns for the winter," Robert Baruffaldi, a meteorologist in the National Weather Service's Sacramento office, told CNN.

But rain brings with it the threat of flash floods and mudflows because the vegetation has been wiped out, leaving ash-covered ground.

As the fire is contained, some residents are being allowed to return home. Authorities warn that utilities, including water and electricity, may not be working. Cell phone service is limited as is the ability to dial 911. They also need to have plenty of fuel, drinking water and food before entering the areas affected by the fire.

The Woolsey Fire is 96 percent contained after burning nearly 97,000 acres.

#CampFire *UPDATE* for Berry Creek Evacuation Zone A.#buttecounty @ButteSheriff @CountyofButte @paradise_ca @chicofd @chicopolice @CHP_Valley @CHP_Oroville @CHP_Chico @CAL_FIRE pic.twitter.com/dNMrESsIqs

- CAL FIRE Butte Unit/Butte County Fire Department (@CALFIRE_ButteCo) November 19, 2018