US President Donald Trump has arrived in California to survey the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in the state's history.

The Camp Fire, in northern California, has killed at least 71 people.

More than 1,000 people are reported to be missing, although officials say that figure could fluctuate.

Speaking in the town of Paradise, Mr Trump described the scene as "sad to see" and revisited his disputed claim poor forest management was to blame.

"We do have to do management maintenance and we'll be working also with environmental groups, I think everyone's seen the light," he said.

"I don't think we'll have this again to this extent," he added.

Experts have pointed to the weather, climate change and population shifts as bigger causes of the wildfires.

On top of the Camp Fire, firefighters are also tackling several other blazes, including the Woolsey Fire near Los Angeles which has claimed at least three lives.

In Paradise, Mr Trump praised the efforts of local law enforcement, politicians and the teams searching for survivors on the ground.

"This is very sad to see. As far as the lives are concerned, nobody knows quite yet," he said. "Right now we want to take care of the people who have been so badly hurt."

Source: BBC Online

BDST: 0937 HRS, NOV 18, 2018
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