A massive wildfire in Northern California has forced the evacuation of around 13,000 people amid extreme heat in the region. According to the Associated Press (AP), The Thompson fire began near Oroville in Butte County on Tuesday, approximately 70 miles north of Sacramento, and expanded to almost 5 square miles.
A state of emergency has been declared in the city, with evacuation centers established, according to the AP. Firefighters have been deployed to battle the flames in an attempt to keep them from reaching residential areas. Helicopters have reportedly been dispatched to pour water over the fire.
The wildfire has been exacerbated by extreme heat and dry, windy conditions in Northern California. Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 106 degrees in Oroville on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The NWS predicts the heat will persist through next week, with temperatures reaching as high as 110 degrees over the weekend.
According to the AP, Pacific Gas & Electric has implemented targeted power shutoffs in select Northern California counties to prevent the possibility of electrical fires from damaged telephone cables. Authorities have also warned against the illegal use of fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday.
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