A raging wildfire in northern California has put thousands of homes at risk and forced 28,000 residents to evacuate near Oroville in Butte County. The Thompson fire erupted on Tuesday, rapidly consuming over 3,500 acres and destroying at least four structures. As photojournalists captured the intense scenes, more than 1,400 firefighters were deployed to battle the blaze, which remains at 0% containment. The extreme conditions have resulted in eight reported injuries, half of which are firefighters.

Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency and secured a fire management assistance grant from FEMA to support the response and recovery efforts. The heatwave, forecasted to bring life-threatening triple-digit temperatures, exacerbates the fire risks. Fire officials urge the public to take precautions to prevent new fire starts, especially with the Fourth of July celebrations approaching. The state is on high alert, with fire crews stretched thin battling over a dozen blazes since Monday.

The prolonged heatwave, predicted to last through the holiday weekend, poses severe health risks, particularly for those without access to cooling. The National Weather Service has issued heat alerts for over 129 million people across the country, emphasizing the deadly nature of extreme heat. Climate experts warn of record-breaking temperatures and minimal relief, even at night. As California braces for the worsening conditions, the combination of wildfires and heat presents a significant challenge for both residents and emergency responders.