Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: One was killed, another injured in a raid by an Israeli drone on the city of Khiam in South Lebanon
London views possibility of setting fire to tanker in port of friendly country to Russia to damage port infrastructure, initiate an international probe: Moscow
One of London's scenarios involves setting up accident with 'undesirable' tanker in one of the bottlenecks of maritime communications: Russian foreign intelligence agency
London plans to organize major sabotage with tankers to declare transportation of Russian oil to international shipping: Russian foreign intelligence agency
UK intelligence agencies plan to use NATO allies to launch massive raid on 'Shadow Fleet': Russian foreign intelligence agency
Palestinian Ministry of Health: Two were martyred in Israeli shelling that targeted a besieged house in the town of Qabatiya in Jenin
At least 68 dead in migrant shipwreck off Yemen: IOM
Trump: We want to feed the people in Gaza, we do not want them to starve.
US President Donald Trump: We will impose sanctions on Russia if it does not end the war on Ukraine.
Israeli media: Polls show that 52% oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while only 29% support him.

30,000 people evacuated amid California historic heatwave, wildfires

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: News websites
  • 4 Jul 2024 12:09
  • 2 Shares
4 Min Read

The cause of the fire remains under investigation as the Thompson fire rapidly spread over more than 3,500 acres (1,416 hectares).

Listen
  • x
  • An air tanker drops fire retardant while trying to keep the Grubbs Fire from spreading in the Palermo community of Butte County, Calif., on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. (AP)
    An air tanker drops fire retardant while trying to keep the Grubbs Fire from spreading in the Palermo community of Butte County, Calif., on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. (AP)

A strong wildfire that broke out in northern California on Tuesday is threatening thousands of houses, as the state is experiencing an intense heatwave that could be historic – forcing about 28,000 residents to flee their homes. 

The Thompson fire rapidly spread over more than 3,500 acres (1,416 hectares) close to the city of Oroville, an hour outside of the Californian capital of Sacramento.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. 

Photographers witnessing the wildfire in the isolated community of Butte County photographed dramatic scenes as it tore through houses and cars. At least four buildings have been destroyed, as per authorities. 

The state's fire brigade, which had 0% containment on Wednesday afternoon, dispatched around 1,400 firefighters and at least half of the eight verified injuries were firefighters, as the high temperatures continue to endanger them.

CalFire's public relations officer, Ed Fletcher, stated that although the organization makes an effort to guarantee firefighters receive relief and rest, the already difficult labor is exacerbated in severe weather.

Read next: Greece witnesses 66 wildfires in less than 24 hours

“The combination of events has presented a huge challenge for firefighters,” he said, as he called on the public to take extra precautions.

“It’s a tough thing to do,” he added. “You are asking people to hike up a mountain when it’s 108F outside.”

On Wednesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a state of emergency to guarantee that resources are ready and accessible to assist with the fire's response and recovery.

In response to the Thompson Fire, we have proclaimed a state of emergency in Butte County.

California is using every available tool to tackle this fire & will continue to support impacted communities.

For real-time information on active fires, visit https://t.co/jBK8AuvDkt. pic.twitter.com/SroIhbnwbN

— California Governor (@CAgovernor) July 3, 2024

Related News

Trump cuts funding for California rail, escalating feud with Newsom

California's Governor Newsom filing defamation suit against Fox

Newsom noted that California has received a fire management assistance grant (FMAG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to cover the costs and damages of the wildfire.

The Fourth of July brings with it a higher risk of fire because of the combination of hot, dry weather and celebratory fireworks as they can cause an average of over 18,500 fires to start.

Over a dozen fires have broken out since Monday, and this week is expected to have extremely high levels of fire activity and behavior, making it challenging to limit fresh blazes.

Cal Fire deputy director Nick Schuler stated, “It’s going to be a challenge both day and night – so the message is prevention," and the agency is at peak staffing levels to prepare for what is expected to be an extremely busy week, extending into an extremely busy summer.

Parts of the state are expected to experience "extreme" heat risk starting on Wednesday, which is the highest category listed on the National Weather Service's index, and authorities warned that the harsh weather could persist until Sunday or longer. Life-threatening triple-digit temperatures may persist for more than a week in certain areas.

The state capital of California, Sacramento, was expected to see temperatures between 105F and 115F (40.5C and 46.1C) on Sunday.

This was from midday Tuesday, but this video from the Fire Integrated Real Time Intelligence System (FIRIS) Intel 12 aircraft gives a good overview of the #TollFire north of Calistoga. pic.twitter.com/XuvtyLyteV

— CAL FIRE LNU (@CALFIRELNU) July 3, 2024

During a broadcast discussion of the heat event on Monday, climate scientist Dr Daniel Swain relayed, “This is going to be a severe, prolonged, potentially record-breaking heatwave that may have large impacts for much of California.”

Read more: Turkiye wildfire death toll reaches 12, over 70 wounded

He reiterated that the long duration will only add to the potential impacts and intensity, especially because little relief can be expected even after the sun sets.

“It just isn’t going to cool off – even at night,” Swain said.

Around this time last year, a wildfire that erupted in Northern California as well forced the evacuation of 500 homes and other structures.

  • Gavin Newsom
  • Northern California
  • Climate crisis
  • wildfires
  • California
STOP THE HEAT: A Climate Change Coverage

STOP THE HEAT: A Climate Change Coverage

Most Read

A rescued crew member from the ETERNITY C vessel in a video released by the Yemeni Armed Forces on July 28, 2025 (Yemeni Military Media)

Yemen Navy reveals fate of targeted Eternity C ship crew

  • Politics
  • 28 Jul 2025
An Israeli tank explodes following an ambush by al-Qassam Brigades in Gaza, Occupied Palestine, undated (Al-Qassam Military Media)

Al-Qassam strikes Israeli vehicles in Gaza, inflicts casualties

  • Politics
  • 30 Jul 2025
UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

  • Politics
  • 1 Aug 2025
Protesters chant anti-Israeli slogans as they carry a banner that reads:" Freedom for Palestine, Alliance stop the war," during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza, outside the Israeli embassy, in Athens, Monday, June 9, 2025 (AP)

Athens mayor slams Israeli ambassador over Gaza war, graffiti claim

  • Politics
  • 3 Aug 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
A member of the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, takes part in a parade as he celebrates a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and the Israeli regime in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, January 19, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Al-Qassam: We’ll allow aid to Israeli captives if Gaza siege ends

Freed Lebanese freedom fighter Georges Abdallah during an interview on Al Mayadeen, which aired on Sunday, August 3, 2025 (Al Mayadeen screengrab)
Politics

Exclusive: Resistance key to building state, Georges Abdallah says

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres gives a statement about the situation in Gaza at UN headquarters, Friday, June 27, 2025 (AP)
Politics

UN warns Gaza faces water crisis, looming famine under Israeli siege

Israeli soldiers drive their armored personnel carrier along the Gaza Strip, in southern occupied Palestine, Wednesday, July 30, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Ex-Israeli general says Gaza starvation campaign isolated 'Israel'

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS