3rd body reportedly found in Southern California fire zone

Authorities were investigating a report of a body found within the burn zone of a huge wildfire in Southern California, but the coroner's office was unable to confirm whether it was burned.

Two deaths were previously linked to the weeklong blaze in Ventura and Los Angeles counties that was 47 percent contained after scorching more than 152 square miles engulfing homes, scenic canyon getaways and celebrity estates.

The body under investigation was found in a burned residence in the Agoura Hills area. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department called it an apparent fire-related death but didn’t immediately have any further information.

The Woolsey fire flared before sunrise today in rugged wilderness at the western end of the Santa Monica Mountains as winds buffeted parts of the region.

The flare-up sent a huge column of smoke out to sea as it burned in parklands well away from communities.

The National Weather Service said winds would slack off sufficiently during the afternoon to allow authorities to lower wildfire warnings from their highest "red flag" levels.

Forecasters cautioned, however, that low humidity levels would keep danger levels elevated.