Northern California is struggling with wildfire and record-breaking heatwave leading to the evacuation of approximately 28,000 residents. The wildfire was named as Thompson Fire and has spread across thousands of acres.
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The Thompson Fire started near Oroville about an hour north of Sacramento. The fire quickly spread consuming over 3,500 acres of land.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the fire was at 0% containment. The cause of the Thompson fire is still under investigation.
Approximately 28,000 residents were forced to leave their homes. Several zones had their evacuation orders downgraded to warnings by Wednesday night, allowing some residents to return.
Thousands of homes are at risk with at least four structures already destroyed. Residents reported extreme smoke and took precautions such as using air purifiers.
Over 1,400 fire personnel have been deployed to combat the blaze. Eight injuries have been reported including those among firefighters. Firefighters are facing extreme heat.
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to ensure the availability of resources. A Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) was secured to help cover firefighting costs.
The state operations center was activated to coordinate responses to both the fire and the heatwave.
Oroville has previously experienced fires such as the 2018 Camp Fire and the 2020 Bear Fire. Residents have developed protocols for evacuation and have learned to remain vigilant.
Thompson Fire is experiencing a severe heatwave with temperatures ranging from 105°F to 115°F. Parts of the state are under extreme heat risk warnings.
The high temperatures and gusty winds increase the likelihood of new fire ignitions especially with Fourth of July celebrations approaching.
Over 3,600 acres near Lake Oroville. Approximately 26,000 residents forced to leave their homes. As of the latest update, the Thompson fire is 7% contained. Eight reported injuries.
Oroville has a history of facing natural disasters including the 2017 evacuation due to Oroville Dam’s emergency spillway threat and the 2018 Camp Fire.
Shelters have been set up, though many are operating at full capacity. Firefighters are battling extreme heat and difficult terrain to contain the blaze.
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Oroville Mayor David Pittman and other officials are coordinating efforts to manage the crisis and support evacuees.
The mayor and a retired fire chief, Pittman has a personal connection to the disaster as he had to evacuate with his family including a large tortoise.
Many residents have been forced to evacuate multiple times over the past few years due to recurring wildfires.
Some residents like Brian Wong are hesitant to evacuate due to difficulties in obtaining insurance settlements and the high cost of premiums.
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) has implemented power cuts in some areas to prevent fire risks.
Crews are working to establish containment lines especially on the challenging northern side of the fire.
Water drops from aircraft are being utilized to control the Thompson fire’s spread. Various state and local agencies are involved in the firefighting and evacuation efforts.
The annual fireworks display in Oroville has been canceled due to the fire and emergency response efforts.
Local businesses like Union Patio Bar and Grill are offering discounts to evacuees and remaining open with reduced staff to serve the community.
Officials have temporarily banned fireworks in Oroville to prevent additional fire hazards during the fire weather period.
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