Death Toll From Camp Fire Might Be Considerably Higher

Doctors and other experts are now saying that the death toll from the Camp Fire in 2018 is at least 50 people higher than the official number of 85.

The official statistics under-estimated the death toll from the deadliest blaze in state history and failed to include people who died from health complications associated with that wildfire, according to finding on an investigation done by the Chico Enterprise-Record. The paper also reports that attorneys for the families of the victims note the online database used to record claims is not perfect, so the number may not be exact.

The Camp Fire was also responsible for wiping out the Northern California town of Paradise. Data reportedly used by lawyers filing wrongful death suits against Pacific Gas & Electric show that the additional victims lived in retirement homes and nursing facilities in Paradise, as well as towns like Concow and Magalia. PG&E's power lines and related equipment in the area are blamed for starting the fire.