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The infamous Carr Fire charred the communities of Redding and Shasta, northern California.
USA TODAY

Carla Bledsoe, in front of the camera, kisses her sister Sherri outside the sheriff's office after learning that children of Sherri James, 4 and Emily 5 grandmother was killed in a forest fire on Saturday, July 28, 2018, in Redding, California. (Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP)

REDDING, Calif. – At least five people have died controlling fire that ravaged northern California neighborhoods.

As the fire continues to grow, burning entire neighborhoods, the number of casualties and missing has also increased.

Already, 500 buildings have burned and 5,000 more are in danger, while the fire continues on its destructive path through the neighborhoods and streets of the city.

Starting Saturday night, the flames took 131 square miles. and was only 5 percent content.

For more information: "Like a war zone": neighborhoods were razed, looting was reported in a gigantic Californian fire; Melody Bledsoe

Eddy Bledsoe frantically sought out his wife, Melody, 70, and two great-grandchildren for days after Carr's fire flared in his neighborhood on Thursday night. He had gone for a run to the store when the flames ravaged his home.

But on Saturday afternoon, 76-year-old Eddy Bledsoe received the terrible news that he feared: his 27-year-old wife died, along with their great-grandchildren, James Roberts, 5, and Emily, his sister.

Melody Bledsoe died in the fire on Thursday. (19659017) "All that she was living for was the children and me": The husband mourns his wife, his great-grandchildren dead in California

"I" I'm just "He and Melody Bledsoe moved to Redding in the mid-2000s and were very close to their family of nine children, 35 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren."

" She took care of me and the children as if we were a team, "he said." Every day, every day of her and my life, I told her: "I want to thank you for being my wife. "

Eddy said that he will always remember his wife as" the best lady in the world "I remember a job Plumber at her home in Summit City a few years ago.

"I think she asked me if I wanted to have lunch, and we just hit her," she said. he says, Melody as his "squirrel", a name of 39 pet that he invented for her during their trucking days. He said that she would stack things in their diesel truck, just like a squirrel that would pick up nuts.

"She is my squirrel," he said. "I want everyone to know that she was the greatest woman in the world."

James Roberts and Emily Roberts

James Roberts, age 5, and sister, Emily, age 4, were at home their great-grandparents when the flames crept in.

The couple's great-grandfather, Eddy Bledsoe, had just come out to run to the store when he noticed how close the fire was from home.

On the phone, James tells Bledsoe, "You must come and get us."

They stayed on the phone until the family died, said Bledsoe.

This article was posted on Facebook A Redding woman and her two grandchildren have disappeared since the fire spread in the city. (Photo : Facebook)

Children's mother, Sherry Bledsoe, was shocked in front of the Shasta County Sheriff's Office after

"My babies are dead," she says through tears. Other family members and friends offered hugs to comfort her.

Jason Decker, a family friend, said that kids would often play with his kids and that they would do stuff together.

"I do not even have more tears to cry," says Decker. "But I keep finding them."

Jeremy Stoke

A 14-year veteran of the Redding Fire Department, Jeremy Stoke died protecting the community he loved.

He was one of two workers in the fire department who died fighting the fire. It was not clear, however, exactly what led to Stoke's death.

Jeremy Stoke, Redding Fire Inspector, was killed in the Battle of Redding. (Photo: Casey Lee / photo provided)

"With heavy hearts, we announce the death of fire inspector Jeremy Stoke, Jeremy died fighting Carr Fire," said the service Fire Redding on Facebook. "We ask your thoughts and prayers for his family and the WDN as we deal with this tragic loss. More information will be released as soon as it is available."

Stoke was known in his community as someone who constantly gave to help others. He has regularly donated to the organization Alyssa Araiza "Wings of Angels" to help seriously ill children and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

"He and his wife, Alyson, always supported us. She continued, "Whenever I saw him, he teased me and said 'Every time I see you, you hide me $ 500 & # 39; & # 39; donations.

He was at the Redding Fire Department since May 2004.

Don Ray Smith

Don Ray Smith was killed with the help of a bulldozer, helping clearing vegetation and debris while firefighters were working.

He was a private entrepreneur.

Smith, 81, was from Pollock Pines and his family was notified of his death.

The coroner's badistant investigator stated that Smith had died after being caught up by the flames. He was found by the emergency staff.

Arthur and Sandhu report for Redlight (California) Record Searchlight; Hayes reported from McLean Va . for the USA TODAY HUI; Contributing: Associated Press

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