Blazing wildfires in northern California cause mass evacuations
On July 2, a fire broke out in Butte County, Calif., that has since grown to about 1,443 hectares in size.
The state of California is no stranger to wildfires during the summer months. 2020 saw the worst ever year for wildfires in coastal state, with over 1.7 million hectares burned and a total of over 8,600 fires.
This year, there have been 2,934 fires in the state, burning 56,490 hectares.
CANADA'S WILDFIRES: Visit The Weather Network's wildfire hub to keep up with the latest on the active wildfire season across Canada.
One fire of note is the Thompson Fire, which is burning in the northern region's Butte County. After igniting just days ago, the out-of-control wildfire has already burned over one thousand hectares and has prompted mass evacuations in the region.
Photo of the Thompson Fire burning in Butte County, Calif. Taken on July 2, 2024. (CAL FIRE/Flickr)
California's Governor, Gov. Gavin Newsom, declared a state of emergency on July 3, as the fire poses a threat to numerous buildings and structures.
While the cause of the fire is still under investigation by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), extremely hot and dry conditions coupled with gusting winds provided the fuel needed for this fire to rapidly grow.
According to CAL FIRE, over twelve thousand structures are at risk of being damaged or destroyed by the fire, and four structures have already been destroyed.
A building that was destroyed by the Thompson Fire in Butte County, Calif. Taken on July 2, 2024. (CAL FIRE/Flickr)
While no civilian casualties have been reported as of 6:37 a.m. PDT Thursday, four firefighters have been reported to have been injured. The exact cause of the injuries has not been released.
With the fire only seven per cent contained, thousands of residents have been ordered to evacuate their homes and businesses while more are being warned to prepare for an evacuation.
SEE ALSO: Tips to ensure you leave no animal behind when fleeing a wildfire
A heat dome parked over California and the western United States will be working against firefighters over the next week, with a ridge of high-pressure also preventing the area from getting any much-needed rain.
While parts of Canada will also be feeling the heat, a rainy June on the Prairies has provided some cushion for the wildfire danger north of the border.
Thumbnail image from CAL FIRE/Flickr.
