California teen learns to drive while escaping wildfire

"It's like a video game, Ruben," the teenager recalled his uncle Josh telling him

California wildfire death toll rises to 77, over thousand still missing

Authorities stressed that many of those reported missing may be safe and unaware they have been reported missing.

Butte County Sheriff said number of missing was likely to fluctuate as people call in to report loved ones unaccounted for or found alive.

Evacuation orders have been issued to over a quarter million people in California, with officials urging residents to take heed of warnings.

Firefighters are battling raging fires at both ends of the state, but there is little hope of containing the flames anytime soon.

All fatalities were reported in a massive inferno in Paradise, in Butte County, where the entire population of 26,000 was ordered to leave.

The Mendocino Complex is 30 percent contained, still growing and threatens around 11,300 buildings.

The blaze, dubbed the Thomas Fire, broke out on Monday evening in the foothills above Ventura.

Evacuees fled in fear nearly a week ago, now they're ready to go back.

The death toll rose to 33 with a 14-year-old boy's body reportedly being recovered in Mendocino county near his family's home.