Massive Thompson Fire Leads to Evacuations and Injuries in Butte County

A significant wildfire, dubbed the Thompson Fire, has ignited in Butte County, prompting widespread evacuations and causing injuries to firefighters. The blaze erupted near the areas of Oroville and Cherokee, with a quickly spreading perimeter that has forced residents to flee their homes.

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has issued evacuation orders for multiple State Water Project facilities in the vicinity, including the Hyatt Powerplant and the Oroville Field Division office. An estimated 28,000 individuals are presently under mandatory evacuation orders in the affected areas.

As of the latest update, the Thompson Fire has scorched over 3,000 acres of land, with containment efforts proving challenging due to the rapid rate of spread. Four firefighters have sustained minor injuries during the firefighting operations.

Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in response to the Thompson Fire, enabling additional resources and support to be mobilized to combat the blaze. The fire poses a significant threat to structures and critical infrastructure in the region.

Local authorities in Oroville have taken the necessary steps to manage the emergency situation, with the city declaring a local emergency due to the escalating fire. State Route 162 in Oroville has been closed at Kelly Ridge Road as a precautionary measure.

The community has rallied to provide shelter for evacuees, with the Oroville Church of the Nazarene and the Gridley Fairgrounds opening their doors to those displaced by the fire. The Red Cross and other relief organizations are assisting in managing the evacuation efforts.

Heather Waldman and Carolina Estrada from KCRA 3 have been on the scene, providing live updates on the developing situation. The rapid spread of the fire has been exacerbated by triple-digit temperatures and unfavorable weather conditions.

Cal Fire and other firefighting agencies are working tirelessly to establish containment lines and prevent further damage. With the unpredictability of wildfires, residents are urged to stay informed and follow evacuation orders promptly to ensure their safety.