- Northern California residents are facing a dangerous situation
- Over 28,000 people have received evacuation warnings
- Nearly 2,000 firefighters are battling the flames
Northern California residents are facing a dangerous situation as wildfires fueled by scorching temperatures force evacuations.
Over 28,000 people have received evacuation warnings or orders due to the Thompson Fire, which erupted just two days ago.
CalFire, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, warns of extreme heat persisting through next week, with some areas reaching a staggering 118°F (47°C).
Thankfully, there have been no fatalities reported so far. However, wildfires have caused significant damage, destroying or damaging 74 structures across the state this season.
Fearing fireworks could ignite new blazes, the city of Oroville, near the Thompson Fire’s origin, has canceled its Fourth of July fireworks celebration.
“The last thing we need is someone setting off fireworks and causing more problems,” stated Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea, urging residents to avoid using fireworks.
Sheriff Honea emphasized the ongoing danger, highlighting the recent string of fires and the severity of the fire season.
Nearly 2,000 firefighters are battling the flames, and while some progress has been made with the Thompson Fire reaching 7% containment, the situation remains critical.
California’s fire season, which typically lasts until October, has seen a concerning trend in recent years with larger and more intense fires. Scientists attribute this to human-caused climate change, with the burned area in northern and central California increasing fivefold between 1996 and 2021 compared to the previous 24 years.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings across the state, citing excessive heat, dry conditions, and strong winds, all factors that contribute to the wildfire risk. They emphasize the “dangerous” temperatures that pose a significant health risk.
Since late June, CalFire reports over two dozen wildfires exceeding 10 acres burning across California. The largest fire, located in Fresno County, has ravaged nearly 14,000 acres.
In response to the crisis, Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in Butte County to ensure necessary resources are available.
