SALEM, Ore. (AP) Diminishing winds and rising humidity helped firefighters battling deadly blazes in Oregon and California, but with dozens of people still missing, authorities in both states feared that the receding flames could reveal many more dead across the blackened landscape.

Oregons emergency management director said officials were preparing for a possible mass fatality event, and the state fire marshal was abruptly placed on administrative leave.

In California, smoke that painted skies orange also helped crews corral the states deadliest blaze of the year. The smoke helped blocked the sun, reducing temperatures and raising humidity, officials said.