REDDING, Calif. — Authorities have found a body inside the perimeter of a wildfire that destroyed 30 homes and forced the evacuation of 300 others in Northern California.
The burnt body of Brian Stanley Henry, 56, was found inside a motor home that was destroyed by the fire, Shasta County coroner’s Lt. Mark Lillibridge said Wednesday.
Sheriff’s deputies discovered Henry’s body late Tuesday while checking his home in the community of Igo (EYE’-goh).
The Clover Fire broke out Monday afternoon in the community of Happy Valley, about 150 miles north of Sacramento, and winds sent it spreading at 500 acres an hour. Residents were given just minutes to grab their belongings and leave, as the fire jumped roads and engulfed homes.
The fire burned nearly 11 square miles. Cooler weather has helped firefighters contain 40 percent of the blaze.
Evacuation orders remained for the 300 homes, though at least some might be lifted later in the day, state fire spokesman Mike Witesman said.
SEE ALSO: Forest Service: Hunter caused huge wildfire near Yosemite
“Things are looking good,” he said.
Thomas Texeira said he initially battled the flames but left when the fire came within 200 yards of his home.
“I drove through a wall of flames,” Teixeira told the Record Searchlight of Redding about his narrow escape.
Meanwhile, the Rim Fire in and around Yosemite National Park was 80 percent contained, with full containment expected Sept. 20. That blaze burned nearly 400 square miles.
Firefighters also gained ground on a wildfire burning in a San Francisco Bay Area wilderness park.
Containment of the Morgan Fire at Mount Diablo State Park in Contra Costa County increased to 70 percent overnight. The fire has burned a little less than 5 square miles. All evacuations had been lifted, and full containment was expected by Friday.
Officials have said the Rim Fire was caused by a hunter. The causes of the other two fires remain under investigation.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.