https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/03/california-thompson-wildfire

More than 500 firefighters were battling wildfire as Fema issued emergency grant to state to help cover costs

Gloria Oladipo and Gabrielle CanonWed 3 Jul 2024 10.51 EDTFirst published on Wed 3 Jul 2024 09.15 EDT

About 13,000 people were ordered to evacuate in northern California as firefighters battle a raging wildfire amid scorching temperatures.

The Thompson fire in Butte county, California, began before noon on Tuesday near the city of Oroville, about an hour outside Sacramento. It quickly grew in size, and had burned through more than 3,000 acres (1,200 hectares) by Wednesday morning. It is uncontained. .

The fire has damaged vehicles and buildings, according to pictures shared to social media. But the full extent of the damage is unclear.

Oroville officials have declared a local emergency, as the fire spreads towards more populated areas and threatens critical structures, including power lines and a major water supply, CBS reported.

Firefighters responded forcefully to the blaze, which comes amid a scorching heatwave. More than 500 firefighters have been deployed, as well as at least 50 firetrucks and six helicopters, the Butte county fire department said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.