Publication Date October 16, 2017 | Los Angeles Times

Death toll rises to 41 as fire crews gain control of Northern California blazes

United States
Brandon Tolp, a San Bernardino-based firefighter, performs a firing operation to prevent the flames from crossing Highway 29 on Oct. 12. Photo: Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times
Brandon Tolp, a San Bernardino-based firefighter, performs a firing operation to prevent the flames from crossing Highway 29 on Oct. 12. Photo: Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times

In the last week, the fires have scorched more than 200,000 acres, destroyed or damaged more than 5,500 homes, displaced 100,000 people and killed at least 41.

Sunday appeared to be a turning point as firefighters benefited from winds that were weaker than expected to increase containment on the fires, even allowing some evacuees back into their homes. Still, more than 40,000 people remain under evacuation orders.

The Nuns fire claimed its first identified victim Monday morning, Cal Fire said. “A private water tender driver assigned to the Nuns fire tragically died in a vehicle rollover on Oakville Grade in Napa County” on Monday morning, Cal Fire said in a statement.