Firefighters are working hard to protect homes from a large wildfire in Northern California. The Thompson Fire has forced at least 26,000 people to leave their homes. The fire started around noon on Tuesday, about 70 miles north of Sacramento, near Oroville in Butte County. It has grown to over 5.5 square miles, and there is no containment yet. The fire’s smoke is so thick that it can be seen from space.
By Wednesday afternoon, Oroville Mayor David Pittman reported a decrease in fire activity and expressed hope that some residents might be able to return home soon. Firefighters have stopped the fire’s spread along the southern edge and are now trying to build containment lines on the northern side, which has challenging terrain.
On Wednesday afternoon, another fire, called the Grubbs Fire, started about 5 miles south of Oroville. This fire has also prompted new evacuations near Palermo and has no containment.
California is dealing with more than a dozen active fires. One of the largest is the Basin Fire in the Sierra National Forest in eastern Fresno County, covering nearly 22 square miles and being 26% contained. A fire in Simi Valley briefly caused evacuations as well.
Emergency Measures and Evacuations
A state of emergency was declared in Oroville on Tuesday night, and evacuation centers have been set up. The evacuation zone now includes foothills and rural areas beyond the city, which has about 20,000 residents. Authorities are also warning against the use of fireworks, especially with the Fourth of July approaching, to prevent more fires.
There have been no official reports of property losses yet, but an AP photographer saw fire damage to three suburban-style homes in Oroville. Firefighters are working tirelessly to save homes and animals. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and conditions remain dangerous with gusty winds and low humidity.
Cal Fire’s Butte County unit chief, Garrett Sjolund, highlighted the difficult conditions this summer, with dense brush and dry conditions making fires spread quickly. Pacific Gas and Electric has implemented targeted power shutoffs to prevent fires caused by downed wires.
Hot weather, with temperatures possibly reaching triple digits, is expected to continue into next week. Authorities have warned against using fireworks illegally, stressing that it could cause more fires and put more people at risk. Butte County Sheriff Kory L. Honea emphasized the seriousness of the situation and urged residents to be cautious.
The governor’s office announced that federal funding has been approved to help with firefighting efforts. Governor Gavin Newsom has activated the State Operations Center to coordinate the response, provide mutual aid, and support communities facing wildfire and extreme heat threats.
Joshua Tree National Park Closures
In Southern California, Joshua Tree National Park has closed Covington Flats due to extreme fire risk. Recent spring rains led to an abundance of grass that has now dried, increasing the fire danger. Last June, a fire burned 1.6 square miles of Joshua tree and desert tortoise habitat, highlighting the ongoing risk.
The wildfires in California are causing significant disruption and danger. Firefighters are working tirelessly to control the flames and protect homes, while residents are urged to follow safety guidelines and evacuation orders. The state is receiving support from federal and state agencies to manage the crisis and prevent further disasters.
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