UPDATE: Carr Fire Death Toll Rises

news image
Special Stories
29 Jul 2018 4:39 PM
The Carr fire, fueled by hot and dry conditions, has now charred through 95,368 acres and is only a mere 5% contained as of late Sunday, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, known as Cal Fire. The flames are still burning out of control and are, unfortunately, to blame for 6 deaths as of early Monday.  The new reported death came on Sunday;however, the name of the person has not been released to the public. The death toll also includes 70-year-old Melody Bledsoe and her great-grandchildren, 4-year-old Emily Roberts and 5-year-old James Roberts that were confirmed dead on Saturday.
There are more than 3,000 fire personnel that are battling the flames with more than 300 engines and approximately 17 helicopters.
According to Cal Fire officials, the fire began Monday when a vehicle suffered mechanical failure, officials said. Firefighters had been making progress containing it until Thursday night, when it began to quickly spread due to erratic winds and continued hot temperatures.
This is still a developing story. Please keep checking back for updates.
Meteorologist Merry Matthews
 
All Weather News
More
Chances of Development Increasing in the Gulf

Chances of Development Increasing in the Gulf

Tropical Storm Dolly formed in the Atlantic o

30 Aug 2026 7:50 PM
Next System Lining Up in the Northeast

Next System Lining Up in the Northeast

Wash. Rinse. Repeat. Each week there's been a

30 Aug 2026 7:50 PM
Days of Severe Weather For The Plains

Days of Severe Weather For The Plains

It has been an active summer for portions of

30 Aug 2026 7:40 PM
Western U.S. Enters a Rainier Pattern

Western U.S. Enters a Rainier Pattern

Ready for some fall-like temperatures? Some r

30 Aug 2026 7:35 PM
El Niño Powers a Party in the Pacific

El Niño Powers a Party in the Pacific

The Pacific hurricane season is showing no si

30 Aug 2026 5:30 PM
El Nino Pushes Sharks into Southern California Beaches

El Nino Pushes Sharks into Southern California Beaches

During El Nino, temperatures across the Easte

30 Aug 2026 10:00 AM
Southwest Heatwave Breaking Down

Southwest Heatwave Breaking Down

High pressure continues to dominate the South

29 Aug 2026 6:35 PM