Wildfire spreads in northern California

WORLD, July 04 (YPA) – A large wildfire has spread in Northern California, forcing at least 13,000 people to evacuate their homes, as severe heatwaves are expected.

The Thompson Fire broke out on Tuesday morning, July 2, approximately 110 kilometers north of Sacramento, in and around the town of Oroville in Butte County.

The fire sent massive columns of smoke and had spread to about 12.1 square kilometers by Wednesday morning, with no containment reported.

The city, with a population of around 20,000, declared a state of emergency Tuesday night, and numerous homes have been destroyed according to KCRA on Wednesday. There have been no reports of injuries.

Associated Press reported the evacuation centers in Butte County have been established.

The National Weather Service forecasted temperatures above 37.8 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.

The state governor’s office announced federal funding approval to aid firefighting efforts on Tuesday.

The Governor earlier this week activated the State Operations Center to coordinate the state’s response, dispatch mutual aid, and support local communities as they respond to the threats of heat and fire during the early July heat wave.

@E.Y.M