Thirteen homes were destroyed by the Thompson Fire that ripped through Butte County this month. In reporting its damage assessment Sunday, Cal Fire’s Butte County unit found that 13 smaller structures were also destroyed.
The assessment came as final evacuation zones were lifted due to the wildfire that began July 2 and burned an area sandwiched between the city of Oroville and Lake Oroville, sending more than 13,000 residents to flee.
Cal Fire said five more homes and three “small” structures were damaged by the fire, which broke out amid red flag conditions and high winds that quickly spread embers.
As of Sunday, the fire had burned 3,789 acres and was 86% contained. Four firefighters were injured during the initial fight, but no residents were injured.
Cal Fire said Sunday morning that crews remained in the burned areas “strengthening containment and control lines and supporting suppression repair efforts.”
“Firefighters on the line will remain hydrated and ready should fire activity increase,” incident commanders said. “The hot, dry weather conditions recorded and the rugged topography throughout the fire area are a challenge to suppression efforts.”
Record high temperatures in Butte County and throughout Northern California continue to be a concern for firefighters, who expect slightly cooler days — temperatures below 105 degrees — early this week.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
