Wildfire — Central Sacramento Valley, California

2024-07-02 to 2024-07-08 · Central Sacramento Valley, California

Event narrative

The Thompson Fire started around 11 am on July 2nd, 2024 near the spillway of Lake Oroville Dam. Very hot temperatures combined with critical fire weather conditions allowed for rapid growth of the fire shortly after ignition prompting several evacuation warnings and orders. Within the first 24 hours, the fire was mapped at over 3,000 acres. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) reported the fire to be 100% contained on July 8th, 2024 at 3,789 acres. Red Flag conditions were not being met at the time of ignition, however temperatures reached around 100 to 104 degrees, with relative humidity in the 10 to 18 percent range, and wind gusts of 20 to 25 mph. From July 3rd through 8th, the heat continued with temperatures peaking around 110 to 115 degrees, and low relative humidity continued, in the 8 to 18 percent range, however winds returned to more of the typical diurnal regime. Over 10,000 people were under evacuation orders. The California Department of Water Resources activated the EAP for Lake Oroville Dam under non-emergency level. The fire resulted in loss of transmission lines. 8 structures were damaged, and 26 structures were destroyed.

Wider weather episode

The Thompson Fire started around 11 am on July 2nd, 2024 near the spillway of Lake Oroville Dam. Very hot temperatures, combined with critical fire weather conditions allowed for rapid growth of the fire shortly after ignition prompting several evacuation warnings and orders.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1180496. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.