Law enforcement officers located two more victims of the Valley Fire during a search operation on Wednesday.
One body was located within the burn area near Hidden Valley. Based upon the location and evidence recovered at the scene, authorities believe the victim to be Bruce Beven Burns, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Steve Brooks. Burns was reported missing on Tuesday.
Law enforcement officers discovered another body in Anderson Springs. Brooks reported that this victim is presumed to be Leonard Neft, again based upon evidence at the location.
Neft, a former reporter for both the Lake County Record-Bee and the San Jose Mercury News, was listed as missing on Monday.
The California Office of Emergency Services sent two Human Remains Detection dogs — cadaver dogs — and their handlers into the burn area on Wednesday morning. The dogs worked alongside personnel from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Cal Fire to search the area. Wildlife wardens from California Fish and Wildlife are also on the scene.
There are now three confirmed deaths as a result of the Valley Fire. The first confirmation came on Monday, when the Sheriff’s Office identified Barbara McWilliams, a 72-year-old whose remains were found in the ashes of her home on Hot Springs Road near Middletown. McWilliams needed assistance to evacuate on Saturday and a call had been issued for aid, but the rapidly spreading blaze consumed the area, preventing officers from reaching her in time.
Brooks stated that if anyone has been unable to locate friends or family members since the Valley Fire, they are encouraged to contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office so a missing persons report can be made. You can contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 263-2690.
“The Sheriff’s Office and all first responders express their condolences to those who have been affected by this disaster,” Brooks said in a media statement, “We are hopeful that the fire does not claim any more lives.”
