US: Camp Fire spreading rapidly November 9 /update 2

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 well as most neighboring communities. In the city of Chico, evacuation orders are also in effect east of Bruce Road between Highway 32 and East 20th Street and in the Canyon Oaks Subdivision. As of Friday, November 9, some 150,000 people in and around Butte county have evacuated their homes.

As of 10:32 (local time) on Friday, the blaze had engulfed some 28,300 hectares (70,000 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. Additional closures are in effect throughout the vicinity of the fire. 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.

The fire is currently five percent contained, with full containment expected by November 30.

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.