Family members also expressed ‘continued gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of love, support, and concern from the community and from people around the country as rescue workers have worked tirelessly to find Mattie and Conrad.’

In previous days, the wildfire was confined to the island’s mountainous center, but aided by winds, very high temperatures, and dry conditions, it spread Saturday toward the coast.

The leaders of religious and women’s groups addressed the nearly 15,000 protesters, who also called for the firing of Biren Singh, the top elected official in the state where more than 130 people have been killed.