Gubernatorial Candidate John Cox Meets With Carr Fire Victims And Firefighters

REDDING (CBS13) - Gubernatorial candidate John Cox visited the Carr Fire area Wednesday afternoon and met with residents and firefighters.

The Republican joined Congressman Doug LaMalfa and State Senator Jim Nielsen at the Anderson Operations Center and for a tour of Redding, Keswick, and Anderson.

Credit: Cox for Governor
John Cox (center) meets with Rep. Doug LaMalfa (left) and Anderson Police Chief Michael Johnson (right)

"I'm heartbroken seeing the loss of life and devastation the Carr fire has caused," Cox said. "It was important for me to see firsthand to get a first hand look at this tragedy and speak with those impacted.

His opponent, Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, did not visit the Carr Fire zone due to a CAL Fire request for elected officials to not visit "so that they can dedicate all resources to fighting fires., according to Newsom's office. A spokesperson said the Democrat plans to visit some of the impacted areas "at a more appropriate time so that our firefighters can stay focused on the fire lines."

READ: Redding Police Publish List Of 20 People Missing After Carr Fire

As of Wednesday morning the Carr Fire has burned 115,538 acres and destroyed 1,018 homes since starting July 23.

SEE: Food Network Star Guy Fieri Serves Up Meals To Carr Fire Evacuees

Six people have died.