Wildfires
13,000 people evacuated as Northern California wildfire burns
Oroville, CA – A rapidly spreading wildfire in Northern California has forced the evacuation of approximately 13,000 residents in Butte County. The Thompson Fire, which ignited on Tuesday morning, has already scorched over 3,000 acres and remains uncontained as of Wednesday morning.
The fire's origin is still under investigation by California's firefighting agency, Cal Fire. The blaze has consumed several structures, including homes and vehicles, although no fatalities have been reported. The fire's rapid spread is attributed to dry conditions and strong winds, which have created a perfect storm for wildfire activity.
Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea announced the evacuation orders during a press briefing on Tuesday night, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The evacuation primarily affects residents of Oroville, a city located about 68 miles north of Sacramento with a population of roughly 20,000. The Butte County Sheriff's Office has provided a map to track the evacuation zones, which include the northeast Oroville and Kelly Ridge areas.
Cal Fire's Butte County Fire Department Unit Chief Garrett Sjolund highlighted the challenging conditions firefighters are facing this summer. "The fuels are very dense, the brush is dry, and any wind out there will move the fire quickly," Sjolund said during the press conference.
The fire has also impacted several state water project facilities, including the Hyatt Powerplant near the Oroville Dam, which has been taken offline due to power lines within the fire's footprint being intentionally de-energized. The California Department of Water Resources has assured that the Oroville Dam itself is not at risk, and the main spillway remains open to manage water releases and temperature control in the Feather River.
In response to the escalating situation, Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in Butte County. This declaration will facilitate the mobilization of additional resources and support from state and federal agencies. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has also approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant to aid in the suppression efforts.
"We are using every available tool to tackle this fire and will continue to work closely with our local and federal partners to support impacted communities," Governor Newsom stated. "As we head into some of the most challenging months of wildfire season, the state is better prepared than ever to protect at-risk communities with new tools, technology, and resources."
The extreme heatwave gripping Northern California has exacerbated the wildfire risk. Temperatures are expected to soar above 110 degrees in cities like Sacramento, Chico, and Redding. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for much of the region, including Oroville. Red flag warnings, indicating high fire danger, are also in effect across the area due to the combination of high temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity.
The Thompson Fire is part of a broader pattern of wildfires currently affecting California. The state has already seen a significant number of fires this year, with over 139,500 acres burned. This has led to the cancellation of Fourth of July festivities in various cities, including Oroville's fireworks display, as communities prioritize safety over celebrations.
Fire Captain Dan Collins from Cal Fire's Butte County Fire Station expressed optimism about the efforts to control the Thompson Fire. "The incident management team has been effective in bolstering resources and personnel at the scene," Collins noted. "This collaborative effort is crucial in managing such large-scale incidents."
Residents like Thompson, who have experienced previous wildfires, are staying vigilant. Thompson shared her experience of using a scanner app to stay informed and act swiftly, enabling her family to evacuate promptly. Many families in the area have decided to forgo their Independence Day celebrations due to the severity of the situation.
As the Thompson Fire continues to burn, the focus remains on protecting lives and property. The collective efforts of firefighters, local authorities, and state agencies are crucial in managing this crisis and ensuring the safety of Northern California's residents.