A fast-moving wildfire in Northern California has forced around 26,000 residents to evacuate, including those in Oroville, a town near Paradise, which was devastated by a wildfire in 2018. The Thompson fire, which began on Tuesday, has burned over 3,000 acres and destroyed several homes and vehicles.
David Pittman, Oroville’s mayor and a retired fire chief, has faced multiple disasters over the years, including the 2018 Camp Fire and the 2021 Dixie Fire. Pittman and his family, including their pet tortoise, have evacuated to a safer location within the town. He mentioned that the extreme heat and unpredictable winds are making it hard for firefighters to control the blaze.
Cal Fire reported that the cause of the fire is still under investigation and no deaths have been reported, though eight injuries have been noted. The fire is currently 7 percent contained.
Many residents, like Vernon Englund and Ashlie Boocks, have evacuated multiple times due to wildfires in recent years. Both shared the stress and routine of fleeing their homes, highlighting the growing frequency of such events.
Pacific Gas & Electric has shut off power in some parts of Northern California, including Butte County, due to the increased fire risk. This week’s extreme heat, expected to reach 110 degrees, combined with the recent wet winter, has created hazardous fire conditions.
Evacuation centers are full, and local authorities have temporarily banned fireworks to prevent any additional fires. The large fireworks display in Oroville, which usually attracts over 10,000 people, has been canceled.
Businesses like Brian Wong’s Union Patio Bar and Grill are trying to stay open to serve the community, offering discounts to evacuees. Wong, however, plans to stay at his home, which is under an evacuation order, to protect his property.
The situation remains critical as firefighters continue to battle the blaze and officials work to assess the damage.