1 dead as new wildfire rages in N. California

Two other deadly fires roaring through Northern California have destroyed more than 1,400 homes and threaten thousands more, state fire officials said. A scorched sign and homes remain on Thursday September 17, 2015 in Anderson Springs, Calif. The Valley Fire that sped through Middletown and other parts of rural Lake County, less than 100 miles north of San Francisco, has con…

The tally announced on Sunday brought the total number of homes destroyed in two wildfires burning in Northern California to almost 1,600, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said.

And another two civilians were killed in the Butte fire, in the Sierra Nevada foothills, but residents were being allowed to gradually return to their homes Sunday. A total of 6,563 residential structures remained threatened, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation, according to Cal Fire.

One of the worst wildfires in California’s history tore through another 162 homes and was threatening thousands more along with another monster blaze sweeping through the state, officials warned Monday.

Evacuation advisories were issued for residents of Jamesburg and the nearby community of Cachagua, according to CalFire. The blaze had charred 116 square miles and was 48 percent contained Saturday.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection spokesman Mike Mohler says the increased count comes as firefighters make progress and damage inspection teams have access to affected areas.

So far the fire has burned 1,086 acres and the 590 firefighters battling the flames now have it contained at 30 percent. Sheriff’s spokesman John Thornburg says the man’s death is being investigated as a possible suicide.

The fire charred a firefighter’s home, the Sentinal reported. In terms of land burned, the 2003 Cedar fire holds the record with more than 273,000 acres destroyed.

“I can’t put it into words”, Camps said.

Residents in Hidden Valley Lake, Jerusalem Grade, Grange Road and Butts Canyon Road were allowed to return to their homes Sunday afternoon.

The fire is burning about 11 1/2 miles southeast of Carmel Valley Village.

A weekend of heat had descended on the wildfires after several days of favorable weather, raising fears that gains could be undone.

California’s historic drought has made wildfire season essentially year-round.