President Obama on Tuesday declared the Valley fire in Northern California a major disaster, allowing federal funds to be sent to recovery efforts.
As of Tuesday evening, the fire in Lake County had burned 76,067 acres and was 79% contained. At least 1,910 structures had been destroyed, most of them homes, and more than 3,000 remained threatened, officials reported.
"As surveys are completed and additional data is confirmed, the number of structures destroyed may rise," the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said. "The Valley fire now ranks among the top three most destructive wildfires in California history."
Residents & business owners who sustained losses can apply for help at http://t.co/IBaYOUDX0R or 800-462-7585. #ValleyFire
Since the fire began earlier this month, nearly 20,000 people have been evacuated from their homes. By this week, several hundred people remained in shelters.
On Wednesday, officials announced a fourth person had been killed in the blaze.
The Lake County Sheriff's Office said the human remains found in the wreckage are presumed to be a man named Robert Fletcher, who was reported missing a week ago, KTVU reported.
"The devastation and destruction caused by the Valley fire is extraordinary," Gov. Jerry Brown said in a letter to Obama. "Thousands have been made homeless by the fire. Thirty schools were closed and many remain closed. Major roads were damaged or destroyed."
Brown also requested a disaster declaration for the Butte fire, which has burned 70,868 acres — destroying about 900 structures — about 100 miles away in Amador and Calaveras counties. Officials have not announced a decision on that request.
Fire danger remains high in California, with high temperatures and wind gusts in the forecast. Cal Fire officials pointed to drought conditions as well as the danger of the bark beetle, which has turned millions of trees into dead and dry timber.
Officials are now asking residents to remove dead trees from the areas around their homes.
More than 10,000 firefighters remain on scene at nine wildfires across the state.