Fourth victim of Valley fire found in Cobb

Lake County authorities Tuesday discovered the remains of a man who died in the Valley fire.

Officials were conducting search operations in the Cobb area at 6:30 pm. Tuesday when they stumbled upon the body, according to a news release from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities are working to positively identify the remains. However, sheriff’s officials said the victim was likely Robert Taylor Fletcher, based on the location and evidence found at the location. Fletcher was reported missing Sept. 16.

In total, six people have died from the Valley and Butte fires. As of Wednesday evening, the Valley fire reached 82 percent containment and had burned 76,067 acres. The Butte fire in Calaveras County was 87 percent contained and has charred 70,868 acres.

This story was originally published September 23, 2015 at 11:13 AM.