A firefighter battles a fire along the Ronald Reagan Freeway, aka state Highway 118, in Simi Valley, California

At least 42 people have died in a fierce wildfire which largely incinerated the town of Paradise in northern California, the largest loss of life from such a blaze in state history.

The latest death toll, was announced by Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea at an evening news conference in the city of Chico after authorities found the bodies of 13 more victims of the devastating blaze dubbed the Camp Fire.

The fire already ranked as the most destructive on record in California in terms of property loss, having consumed more than 7,100 homes and other structures since it ignited on Thursday.

Southern California's huge Woolsey wildfire - which has killed at least two people - roared to life again Tuesday in a mountain wilderness area even as many neighbourhoods were reopened to thousands of residents who fled its advance last week.

Follow the latest updates

Please allow a moment for the live blog to load