California Wildfire Now Third-Largest in History - from TRUNEWS

One of the deadly California wildfires is now the third-largest in the state’s history.

The “Valley Fire” is directly responsible for the destruction of 1,050 homes and the deaths of three people.  The fire is reportedly 70% contained (as of Monday morning) and has burned over 117 square miles.   Fire officials say that at least 6,400 homes remain under threat of the fire.

A home burns as the Butte Fire rages near Mountain Ranch, California in this September 11, 2015 file photo. REUTERS/Noah Berger/Files 

Fire crews have been working the areas destroyed by the flames to put out any hotspots and make the area safe for residents to return and see if any of their belongings survived the flames.

“We’re in the mopping-up stages now, just extinguishing smoke and hotspots,” said Capt. Richard Cordova, a spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. “You’re not going to see any flames.”

The fire in the Sierra Nevada foothills has now claimed a total of 535 homes and left two people dead.  A CalFire spokesman said that because of the location of the fire, it will be some time until all burned structures are discovered.

“Some of the homes are tucked back in rural areas, so it’s taken time to reach them,” CalFire spokesman Daniel Berlant said.

Flames from the Jerusalem Fire consume a sign containing addresses to homes along Morgan Valley Road in Lake County, California in this August 12, 2015 file photo. REUTERS/Robert Galbraith/Files 

A fire that sparked over the weekend, called the Tassajara fire, is being considered suspicious after the discovery of a burned out vehicle near the location of the fire’s source.  The body of a man was discovered in the vehicle and authorities say they are considering the victim committed suicide.

The fire has burned almost 1,100 acres and was 30% contained by Monday morning.

High winds and temperatures are forecasted for the region over the coming week, forcing fire crews to double check previously extinguished areas.

“We’re looking at predicted weather of 100 degrees for the next couple of days, and at least mid-90s throughout the weekend,” said Scott Mclean, a battalion chief with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

“You’ve got some high temps, high winds that could stir up those ash piles and those ember piles,” he said. “We have to do that mop-up to be sure this fire goes to bed.”

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