A massive wildfire erupted in Northern California, forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents amidst an "extremely dangerous" heat wave, state authorities announced on Wednesday.
The blaze, which ignited on Tuesday near Oroville, has already consumed more than 1,400 hectares of land.
As a precaution, nearly 13,000 people have been ordered to leave their homes.
The wildfire is only a few dozen kilometers from Paradise, a town that in 2018 experienced the deadliest fire in California's history, resulting in the deaths of 85 people.
On Wednesday, Garrett Sjolund, the head of the local fire department, warned that the roughly 400 firefighters battling the blaze, supported by aircraft and helicopters, are contending with extremely challenging conditions.
This latest incident underscores the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in California, exacerbated by climate change and prolonged droughts.
Authorities are urging residents to stay alert and follow evacuation orders promptly to ensure their safety.
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