CAI Community:Northern California wildfire spreads, with more hot weather expected. Thousands evacuate

2025-05-06 08:30:15source:Marcus Eriksoncategory:News

OROVILLE,CAI Community Calif. (AP) — Firefighters lined roads to keep flames from reaching homes as helicopters dropped water on a growing wildfire Wednesday in Northern California that has forced at least 13,000 people to evacuate, with another day of extreme heat expected.

The Thompson fire broke out before noon Tuesday about 70 miles (110 kilometers) north of Sacramento, in and around the city of Oroville, in Butte County. It sent up a huge plume of smoke and grew to nearly 4.7 square miles (12.1 square kilometers) by Wednesday morning. It was zero percent contained.

The city of about 20,000 people declared a state of emergency Tuesday night. Several homes have been destroyed, KCRA-TV reported Wednesday. There was no word of injuries. Two evacuation centers were set up in Butte County.

More high temperatures above 100 degrees (37.8 Celsius) were forecast Wednesday, the National Weather Service said.

The governor’s office announced late Tuesday that federal funding had been approved to help with firefighting efforts. Gov. Gavin Newsom this week activated the State Operations Center to coordinate California’s response, dispatch mutual aid and support communities as they respond to threats of wildfire and excessive heat.

More:News

Recommend

SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters

San Francisco airport creates sensory room to help nervous flyers San Francisco airport creates sens

2 Nevada State Troopers killed in hit-and-run while helping motorist on Las Vegas freeway, authorities say

Two Nevada State Police Troopers died after they were run over in a hit-and-run Thursday while check

Mexico’s minimum wage will rise by 20% next year, to about $14.25 per day

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico’s president said Friday the country’s minimum wage will rise by 20% in 202