California wildfires rage with record death toll expected to climb

SONOMA, Calif. – Fire officials reported further headway on Friday against devastating blazes in Northern California's wine country but said the death toll of 34, already a record for the state, would likely climb higher with more than 250 people missing.

Even as firefighters gained enough ground for authorities to consider letting some of the estimated 25,000 evacuees return home, they were bracing for more hot, dry winds that could escalate the threat to communities still in harm's way.

Ground crews raced to clear away drought-parched vegetation along the southern flanks of fires, removing highly combustible fuels adjacent to populated areas before extreme heat and winds were forecast to revive over the weekend.