California fires: Death toll climbs to 31, officials announce names of 10 victims
Out of the 31, Sonoma County recorded the highest number of deaths, with 17 bodies.
Eight people died in Mendocino County, while Yuba County and Napa County accounted for four and two deaths respectively.
The city of Santa Rosa has been named the hardest hit by the blaze, where an estimated 2800 homes have been destroyed, along with 400,000 square feet of commercial space.
The reports were confirmed by Santa Rosa Mayor Chris Coursey.
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office also identified 10 victims and announced their names.
They were:
Carol Collins-Swasey, 76, of Santa Rosa
Lynne Anderson Powell, 72, of Santa Rosa
Arthur Tasman Grant, 95, of Santa Rosa
Suiko Grant, 75, of Santa Rosa
Donna Mae Halbur, 80, of Larkfield-Wikiup
Leroy Peter Halbur, 80, of Larkfield-Wikiup
Valerie Lynn Evans, 75, of Santa Rosa
Carmen Caldentey Berriz, 75, of Apple Valley
Michael John Dornbach, 57, of Calistoga
Veronica Elizabeth McCombs, 67, of Santa Rosa
The LA Times quoted sources as saying that while some bodies were recovered intact, others were reduced to ashes.
"In two cases, the remains were identified through the serial number on medical devices, such as a metal hip replacement. Two were identified by dental records, another through distinct tattoos. Authorities used fingerprints and family members to identify the rest," the daily reported.
The death toll is expected to rise.
Image: City of Santa Rosa/Twitter
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