Thousands of people have been forced to evacuate as a wildfire rages out of control in northern California, while a significant part of the United States is experiencing a “record-breaking and dangerous” heatwave, hindering firefighting operations.
More than 3,500 acres (1,400 hectares) of grass and woods have been destroyed since Tuesday, when a fire broke out close outside Oroville. The town, near Sacramento, is only 23 miles (38 km) from Paradise, which was destroyed in 2018 by the deadliest fire in California history, killing 85 people.
Butte County Fire Chief Garrett Sjolund said that the area was under a “red flag warning.”
“The conditions out there that are in our county this summer are much different than we’ve experienced the last two summers,” the governor told reporters.
“The fuels are very dense. Brush is dry, and as you can see, any wind will extinguish a fire rapidly.”
On Wednesday, local NBC reported that around 25,000 people in the area had been ordered to leave.
Around 1,400 firemen were attacking the fires on the ground with heavy machinery and from the air with planes and helicopters, dumping red fire suppressant.
Sjolund stated that equipment and staff were arriving from other jurisdictions to support operations. A few people, including some firefighters, have apparently been injured, although none seriously.
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a state of emergency in Butte County, hoping to free up resources and aid in the fight against the wildfire. “We are using every available tool to tackle this fire and will continue to work closely with our local and federal partners to support impacted communities,” stated the administrator.
“As we head into some of the most challenging months of wildfire season, the state is better prepared than ever to protect at-risk communities with new tools, technology and resources.” –
‘Record-breaking’
The National Weather Service (NWS) predicted punishingly high temperatures in the next days, with the mercury reaching 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius) in certain areas.
According to AFP journalists, the fire destroyed buildings and vehicles.
( Source: AFP)
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