California faces relentless wildfires due to the engulfing of severe heat waves in the western U.S., which has led to temperatures reaching triple digits and is expected to persist into next week. There are several fires that firefighters are fighting around the state, but the largest threat came on Wednesday from the Thompson fire in Oroville, Butte County. Within a short time, the fire quickly grew from 1,000 to 3,500 acres, leading to the destruction of multiple buildings and the evacuation of thousands of homes.
Citing threats to homes, infrastructure, and health facilities, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for the Thompson fire. Only 7% of the fire had been contained by Wednesday night despite the efforts of over 1400 people. 8 firefighters have been injured, and several others were hospitalized following a fire engine crash.
The fire’s progress toward Kelly Ridge, a densely populated area east of Lake Oroville, has forced residents like Don and Linda Pederson to prepare for immediate evacuation. They have chosen to stay back unless the fire crosses Highway 162, even though their home is partially within a mandatory evacuation zone.
Rick Carhart of Cal Fire reported that the rapidity of the Thompson fire spread was due to a combination of grass and heavy brush propelled by winds and low humidity. At one point, more than 12,000 buildings were threatened, and about 28,000 people were under evacuation orders. Although some evacuation orders were downgraded to warnings lately, the fire had destroyed 4 homes.
Temperatures in Oroville are forecast to reach 114 degrees by Saturday, with the heat wave breaking records for prolonged high temperatures in Northern California. San Fernando Valley and downtown Los Angeles are also experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures ranging from the high 80s to the low 100s.
As crews continue to battle other fires across the state, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved federal funds to assist in fighting the Thompson fire. The Adams fire in Lake County and the Toll fire in Napa County have instigated evacuations. Officials also warns of the situation getting worse due to the drying of vegetation.
The McCain fire in eastern San Diego County, which began on Monday, has burned 1,595 acres and is 70% circumscribed. Other smaller fires have also been reported in Northern California that can further strain firefighting resources amid this record-breaking heat wave.