Church warns of fundraising scams as California wildfires wreak havoc

A group of US Forest Service firefighters try to push back the flames in Paradise, California, November 8, 2018. (Photo: Reuters/Stephen Lam)

A church caught up in the devastating California wildfires is urging people to be cautious in giving to online fundraising campaigns.

The congregation of Paradise Alliance Church was forced to evacuate before the town in northern California was incinerated by the deadly Camp Fire.

'Friends. Our hearts break for you all right now. We will get through this together,' the church posted to its Facebook page.

The church is welcoming donations but has also warned people to be wary of online scams. It is inviting those in a position to give to do so straight to its website

'We have set up a separate #campfire relief fund to be used just for this tragedy. Be careful of many scams right now,' it said.

The church, which has relocated services to nearby Chico, posted to Facebook on Friday that the building had so far escaped the flames but it is unknown whether it is still standing.

At least 29 people have been confirmed dead in the Camp Fire, with another 200 unaccounted for.  Many of the fatalities were in Paradise.

A second fire raging around Malibu has caused further destruction, with Hollywood celebrities Miley Cyrus and Gerard Butler being among those to have lost their homes.

Christian film director Scott Derrickson, who helmed Doctor Strange, thanked people for their support after his house burnt to the ground.

'Just a quick update to say that I'm overwhelmed by the incredible outpouring of love and support,' he said on Twitter. 'Thank you to everyone who messaged me, and for the dozens upon dozens of you who offered us a place to stay. We are blessed and grateful to be safe and so loved.'

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