WARNING: Article Contains Distressing Images
Earlier on we shared an article that included pictures of the horrific extent to which California's wildlife has been affected by the devastating wildfires that continue to rage across the state.
Unfortunately, one of the animals that was badly burned, a ginger tabby cat, has now died.
The cat was found in a bad way by rescuers in Paradise, Northern California, and nicknamed 'Billiegirl' by the people who found it after where she was discovered.
Pictures that showed the state the poor creature was found in quickly went viral and it was being hailed as a miracle. However, the miracle was short lived.
The group that rescued her - California Wildfire Pets - posted a picture of the cat that said: "Are you missing an orange tabby kitty from the area of Billie Rd in Paradise?"
They then sadly had to update that post later on to inform anyone looking for her, or those who were simply concerned about her plight, that she is no longer with us.
Billiegirl is just one of thousands of animals - both domesticated and wild - that have been injured or killing in the terrible fires. Because the best efforts of rescuers and volunteers, many animals have been rescued and provided with medical help, but they have not been able to help many others.
Heart-breaking photos have emerged that tell the story of this. They aren't for the faint of heart, trust us.
The Camp Fire that is currently ravaging a large part of Northern California, and the Woolsey Fire, which is in the south of the state near Malibu, has meant that many people have been forced to abandon their homes or be evacuated.
As is nearly always the case in these circumstances, that leaves some unable to take their beloved pets with them.
There has also been a human cost. The confirmed death toll on Tuesday morning from the Camp Fire alone was 42 people. The fire has also destroyed more than 7,000 homes and buildings.
That makes it the deadliest and most destructive fire that has ever been recorded in the state of California.
Groups of volunteers have been working alongside professionals to rescue both wild and domestic animals that have been displaced or left behind as a result of the destruction. They have been helped by donations from the public, including a generous $100,000 donation from actress Sandra Bullock.
The Humane Society of Ventura County announced the donation on their Facebook page: "Our efforts for rescuing and caring for evacuated animals from the Hill and Woolsey fires had caught her [Ms Bullock's] attention and her team reached out to the shelter to show their support,
"Sandra Bullock and her family have reached out to other non-profit organizations both during this incident and in the past.
"However, this time she wanted to contribute to those on the frontline rescuing animals in peril and hope others will choose to do the same.
"The HSVC pledges to care for these animals for as long as is needed or until their owners feel comfortable in safely reuniting their families."
Here's hoping that the efforts of all involved can reduce the number of human and animal casualties from these awful events.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: News, US News, Animals, california