California wildfires: Death toll climbs to 31

The number of people confirmed dead in wildfires sweeping northern California has climbed to 31, as officials warned that conditions would worsen. Hundreds of people remain missing as at least 22 fires rampaged across the state's famous wine country.

More than 8,000 firefighters are now battling the flames. The wildfires have destroyed more than 3,500 buildings



and homes over 170,000 acres and displaced about 25,000 people. 

Strong winds that have fanned the flames eased in recent days, but forecasters warned they were set to pick up again on Friday night. It is not yet clear what started the fires on Sunday night, but officials say power lines blown over by strong winds could be the cause.