09 Nov 2018 | 06:47 PM UTC
US: Camp Fire destroys town of Paradise (California) November 9 /update 1
Authorities report that 40,000 evacuate and roads close as Butte county fire destroys town of Paradise, burns additional 3000 hectares (7400 acres) November 9; further evacuations, road closures expected
Event
On Thursday, November 8, Californian authorities issued mandatory evacuation orders for the towns of Paradise, Pulga, and Concow, due to a fast-growing wildfire that has destroyed much of the town of Paradise (Butte county). The so-called "Camp Fire" also prompted authorities to issue evacuation orders for Forest Ranch, Magalia, Butte Creek Canyon, and Butte Valley. As of Friday, November 9, some 40,000 people in Butte county have evacuated their homes.
As of 20:18 (local time) on Thursday, the blaze had engulfed some 8100 hectares (20,000 acres); the fire is continuing to grow at a rapid pace. California Highway 70 (CA-70) is closed from Pentz Road to the Plumas county line, Highway 99 is closed from the CA-149/CA-99 junction to 9th Street, and closures are in effect on Highway 191 at Pentz Road. The Camp Fire is expected to continue to grow over the coming days. Additional evacuation orders and road closures are to be anticipated in affected areas.
Context
California fire season typically runs from May through November. As of November 9, Central California is under a "red flag warning" indicating that prevailing weather conditions, such as low humidity and strong winds, are conducive for wildfire growth.
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas are advised to exercise caution when traveling in areas near the wildfire, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities (e.g. road closures, evacuation notices), and monitor the situation. Children and those with respiratory illnesses are advised to limit outdoor activity.
