https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2018-11-15/dna-firm-schooled-in-war-zones-helps-id-california-fire-victims By Gabriella Borter (Reuters) - The remains of victims charred beyond recognition in the California wildfires are being identified by a pioneering DNA analysis company that primarily works in war zones and crime scenes. ANDE, the only Rapid DNA analysis company approved by the FBI for work on military, forensic, homeland security and intelligence projects, was hired by the Butte County Sheriff's office to identify remains of some of the 56 people killed in northern California's Camp Fire. Coroner-led recovery teams, cadaver dogs and a National Guard contingent scouring debris from the deadliest fire in California's history turn over tissue and bone fragments to the ANDE team, which is able to generate DNA IDs in under two hours through Rapid DNA analysis. Traditional techniques typically take weeks to generate a DNA ID. "People have experienced so much loss and it's not over yet," said ANDE's chief communications officer, Annette Mattern. "To be able to at least help some families know what the situation is will hopefully help in some small way."