Additional Coverage:
- Thompson Fire forces 13,000 to evacuate in California (newsbreak.com)
On July 3, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a state of emergency due to the escalating Thompson fire, leading to the evacuation of an additional 15,000 residents. This latest evacuation raises the total number to 28,000 displaced residents.
Governor Newsom assured the public in a statement that all possible measures are being taken to control the blaze, with a combined effort from local, state, and federal entities. He stated, “We are using every available tool to tackle this fire and will continue to work closely with our local and federal partners to support impacted communities.”
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the fire has engulfed 3,002 acres and remained 0% contained as of Wednesday morning. The fire department in Butte County responded to the vegetation fire near Oroville, with CAL Fire coordinating multiple evacuations and boosting resources both on the ground and in the air.
Evacuation orders were issued by the Butte County Sheriff’s Department for several areas including Oroville, Cherokee, Oroville Northeast, Kelly Ridge, and Hurleton. As the fire threatened essential infrastructure, Oroville declared a local emergency. Officials identified key facilities at risk including the Hyatt Powerplant, Oroville Field Office, Lake Oroville Visitor Center, and Thermalito Pumping-Generating Plant, although Oroville Dam personnel were reported safe.
To assist in managing the fire, Newsom confirmed that a Fire Management Assistance Grant was secured from FEMA. This federal support aims to help in extinguishing the fire and providing necessary resources. Moreover, the California Office of Emergency Services has rolled out additional fire and law enforcement aid.
CAL Fire reported that suppression and containment efforts involve 1,438 personnel, including 199 fire engines, 46 bulldozers, 49 water tenders, and eight helicopters dedicated to halting the advance of the Thompson fire.
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- Thompson Fire forces 13,000 to evacuate in California (newsbreak.com)