The Thompson Fire ignited in Oroville, prompting mandatory evacuations for approximately 13,000 Butte County residents on Tuesday. By 9:30 p.m., the fire had consumed 2,135 acres and remained uncontained, despite efforts from 400 firefighters.

While Cal Fire initially reported no confirmed damage, images from Associated Press and local media showed homes and vehicles engulfed.

The fire threatened the Kelly Ridge area, where Oroville’s population of 20,000 resides.

Evacuation orders expanded throughout the evening, including East Oroville and nearby unincorporated communities.

Concerns over the fire’s impact on Oroville Dam facilities led to precautionary measures, though water service continued unaffected, the San Francisco Chronicle has reported.

The Hyatt Powerplant shut down as a safety measure, while Cal Fire stressed early evacuation as critical amidst unpredictable fire behavior.

Written by B.C. Begley