Fugitive US killer Christopher Dorner died from a single gunshot wound to the head as authorities were pumping tear gas into a mountain cabin during a deadly gun battle with sheriff’s deputies.

Charred human remains have been found in a burned-out cabin where a fugitive former police officer was believed to be, US police have confirmed.

Firefighters returned today to battle a massive blaze creeping toward the mountain resort town of Big Bear Lake, California, after resting overnight for the first time in days.

For the first time in days, firefighters took a break from battling a massive blaze creeping eastward toward the mountain resort town of Big Bear Lake, California, as a welcome chill helped their cause and temperatures were expected to drop below 0C.