Death toll rises to 31 in California wildfires

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The death toll in wildfires sweeping California has risen to 31, with more than 200 people still missing, officials have said.

The fire now equals the deadliest on record in California.

With strengthening winds threatening to spread the flames, California Governor Jerry Brown has urged President Donald Trump to declare a major disaster.

The move would harness more federal emergency funds.

The appeal came a day after Mr Trump threatened to cut funding for California, blaming the fires on poor forest management.