Oroville, California – More than 28,000 residents in Oroville, California, have been forced to flee their homes as a raging wildfire continues to spread rapidly, officials confirmed on Wednesday. The Thompson Fire, which ignited on Tuesday morning, has already scorched 3,002 acres without any containment as of Wednesday morning.

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), the cause of the fire is currently under investigation. The blaze has already destroyed at least four structures and poses a threat to 12,000 other buildings in the area. In addition, several power lines have been impacted by the fire, exacerbating the situation.

Despite the efforts of 1,438 personnel deployed to combat the fire, including assistance from 18 firefighters from the San Francisco Fire Department, the blaze continues to rage on. Video footage shared on social media showcases massive clouds of orange-gray smoke billowing above Oroville, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

Fortunately, there have been no reports of civilian injuries resulting from the fire so far. However, four firefighters have sustained minor heat-related injuries during the firefighting efforts. California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for Butte County in response to the wildfire, ensuring that all available resources are utilized to address the crisis.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has also stepped in to provide federal funds for aiding in the suppression of the fire, as announced in a statement on Wednesday. As the Thompson Fire continues to burn out of control, Butte County residents have been ordered to evacuate, with two evacuation shelters set up to accommodate those displaced by the fire.

This wildfire is just one of 17 currently burning across the state of California, with a dangerous heat wave exacerbating fire risks ahead of the Fourth of July weekend. The escalating wildfire situation has already impacted holiday celebrations, leading to the postponement and cancellation of fireworks shows and parades in various cities. With over 2,934 wildfires scorching more than 139,500 acres in California this year alone, the state remains on high alert for further fire outbreaks.