Thousands upon thousands of people are forced to flee a wildfire in California. Authorities in the US state on Wednesday called on more than 25,000 people from the area around the small town of Oroville to evacuate, local station KCRA reported.
According to official information, the “Thompson” fire has destroyed more than 1,400 hectares of grassland and forest land since Tuesday.
Oroville is located near the California capital of Sacramento and just 24 miles from Paradise, a small town that was almost completely destroyed in 2018 by the worst fire in California history, when 85 people died.
A delicate time for a region ravaged by fires
The region ravaged by wildfires is now once again at the beginning of a delicate period: in the western US, two wet winters have brought about rapid vegetation growth after years of drought.
The understory of the forest is very dense, said Garrett Sjolund, chief of the Butte County Fire Department. Because the vegetation is drying out quickly now, the potential for wildfires is high. If there is wind, a fire can spread very quickly, Sjolund warned.
Wildfires are a natural and necessary part of the region’s life cycles. However, climate change is leading to more intense and frequent extreme weather events.
Heat wave with temperatures up to 46 degrees looms
The next heat wave is coming to large parts of the US in the coming days. In California, temperatures of up to 46 degrees Celsius are expected. Firefighters fear that people will start even more fires with private fireworks on Independence Day, July 4.
“We’ve had four fires in the last two weeks,” said Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea. “The last thing we need right now is someone setting off fireworks and doing something stupid. ‘Don’t be a fool,’ he urged the revelers.
Governor declared a state of emergency
California Governor Gavin Newsom has already declared a state of emergency for Butte County. According to information, about 1,400 firefighters were deployed on Wednesday to fight the flames from the air using planes and helicopters. Fire Chief Sjolund also expects reinforcements from other counties.
According to reports, several people have already been injured, including firefighters. There have been no serious injuries so far. However, several buildings and vehicles have already been burned down, AFP journalists reported.
Heat warning in 21 states
The U.S. Weather Service is warning of “record-breaking and dangerous heat” for the U.S. West, South and parts of the East Coast over the long weekend following Independence Day. Heat warnings are in effect for nearly 150 million people in 21 states. The weather service expects dozens of heat records, a “rare occurrence” in early July.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
