United States: A wildfire that is raging in Butte County has forced thousands of people to flee Northern California as the West experiences an intensifying heat wave.
The already-parched foliage has been further dried out by the high temperatures, which are expected to last into next week, raising the risk of wildfires throughout the area.
The California National Guard may be called into action to help fight the fire after Governor Gavin Newsom announced a state of emergency for the affected area.
The governor’s declaration lists strong winds, dry conditions, and continuous high temperatures throughout the day and night as factors that have exacerbated the fire’s severity and spread.
As the Thompson Fire continues to burn in Butte County, local officials also declared a local emergency and ordered some residents of the city of Oroville to evacuate.
In an update released at noon local time on Wednesday, Cal Fire said that the fire had spread to more than 3,500 acres and was not 100 percent contained.
There are red flag warnings in place due to the intense temperatures, blustery winds, and low humidity throughout the West, including the fire zone.
The next five days in Oroville are expected to see record highs of 110 degrees or more; on Saturday, the city may see an all-time high of 113 degrees. This will make it even more difficult for fire crews to contain the fire, as per the statement.
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