Paradise is gone

Just like that. A town of close to 30,000 people, pretty much destroyed by a wildfire within a few hours. From Accuweather, report last updated 3:39 AM Eastern Time: 

A wind-driven wildfire continues to threaten communities and prompt evacuations after consuming nearly the entire town of Paradise.

The Camp Fire ignited around 6:30 a.m. local time Thursday and has burned over 20,000 acres and is zero percent contained.

On Thursday afternoon, a state of emergency was declared in Butte County in response to the growing Camp Fire.

An evacuation order was issued for all of Paradise, home to over 27,000 people, where many had only minutes to flee the rapidly spreading blaze.

“Pretty much the community of Paradise is destroyed, it’s that kind of devastation,” Cal Fire Capt. Scott McLean said via the Associated Press (AP). “The wind that was predicted came and just wiped it out.”

As the Camp Fire continues to grow, evacuation orders have expanded into the city of Chico, California, where over 93,000 people live. An evacuation warning is in effect for areas south of Highway 32 and east of Bruce Road inside the city limits, according to the Chico Police Department.

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The report continues with much detail. See also updated reports from local press Redding Record Searchlight.  

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