The Chico Enterprise-Record
CHICO, Calif. — Only two fires among 41 that once comprised the Butte Lightning Complex remain burning in Butte County, but steep terrain on the largest the Camp Fire held overall containment at 90 percent Monday.
Firefighters are reportedly focusing their efforts on the north edge of the Camp blaze, in the Feather River Canyon.
Total acreage on the fires, started by lightning June 21, was estimated at 55,440 on Monday.
Over the weekend, the number of residences lost in the fires was raised from 50 to 71, as county teams were able to fully assess fire damage in the Concow area.
The number of outbuildings destroyed was raised from 10 to 11.
One death resulted from the fires, and 37 firefighters have been injured, most briefly sidelined with heat exhaustion.
With hundreds of firefighters released to other blazes, the number assigned in Butte County has fallen to 1,700. The bill to fight the complex fires has exceeded $70 million.
Meanwhile, Cal Fire-Butte County arson investigators are looking for the person or persons responsible for intentionally setting the Humboldt Fire on June 11.
It chewed through 23,500 acres and destroyed more than 80 homes in the Paradise and Butte Valley areas.
The fire started just after noon near power line east of Old Humboldt Road.
Investigators are seeking information on two vehicles seen in the area around the time of the fire, whose drivers may frequent Humboldt Road.
Investigators are interested in talking to the driver of a white panel van, possibly a Ford between model years 2002-2007, and a maroon Nissan pickup with a double-wall bed.
Information may be left on a tip line at 521-8104. Cal Fire is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspects.
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