The deadliest fire in California’s history is now nearly contained — but the ongoing grief and utter devastation in Butte County is far from over.
All told, the so-called Camp Fire that began more than two weeks ago in Paradise has claimed at least 84 lives — so far — and scorched more than 153,000 acres of land.
It has also destroyed some 13,700 homes, according to the latest official figures from Cal Fire.
Still, amid the pain and the ashes, there are glimmers of hope.
While many animals have perished and thousands more have been displaced by the blaze, a moving video capturing the rescue of 13 dogs in the neighboring town of Megalia now has emerged.
For three days, Daniel Sauvageau was one of several brave souls who went to help save the animals.
Many animals have also been killed and thousands more have been displaced by the wildfires. But a touching video has captured the moment thirteen dogs were saved in Magalia, which neighbours the town of Paradise, where more than 13,000 houses are… https://t.co/rOHHL5JcOa
— The Machine (@WelcomeMachine1) November 23, 2018
He recorded the rescue efforts on his cell phone, according to LadBible, a social media and entertainment company based in London and in Manchester, United Kingdom.
“I was tipped off by my friend Shaun who is working with PG&E (electrical company in the U.S.) in the area — he is my eyes up there and tells me whenever he or his crew sees animals needing rescuing,” he said.
In all, “we have rescued 17 dogs, 12 cats, six goats and a donkey named Waffles,” Sauvageau said in the video.
Eerily, the footage also captured how the fires completely annihilated some homes — while others in close proximity were untouched.
In all, “we have rescued 17 dogs, 12 cats, six goats and a donkey named Waffles,” Sauvageau said in the video.
Other people and groups, meanwhile, have also stepped up in big ways to assist those on the frontlines of animal rescue efforts.
“The Humane Society of Ventura County was deeply humbled today by a $100,000 donation from Sandra Bullock and family,” that organization’s website noted.
Related: Stars Go to Bat for Those Caught in the California Fire Crisis
“Our efforts for rescuing and caring for evacuated animals from the Hill and Woolsey fires had caught [Bullock’s] attention and her team reached out to the shelter to show their support. This donation will help the HSVC provide 24/7 care for the scores of horses, bulls, donkeys, pigs, chickens, ducks, dogs, cats and other pets evacuated from the fires.”
“The HSVC pledges to care for these animals for as long as is needed or until their owners feel comfortable in safely reuniting their families,” it also said.
More help came in the way of rain recently.
Sadly, though, too much rainfall could bring risk of mudslides and hamper recovery efforts as well.
Check out this video (alas, the numbers connected to the fire rose almost immediately):
Elizabeth Economou is a former CNBC staff writer and adjunct professor. Follow her on Twitter.
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