By Michelle Robertson, SFGATE
Published 11:22 am PST, Friday, November 9, 2018
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An abandoned vehicle sits in a ditch on Pentz Road in Paradise, Calif., Thursday, November 8, 2018, after the neighborhood was evacuated in the wake of the Campfire.
An abandoned vehicle sits in a ditch on Pentz Road in Paradise, Calif., Thursday, November 8, 2018, after the neighborhood was evacuated in the wake of the Campfire.
Photo: Digital First Media/The Mercury /Digital First Media Via Getty Im
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Abandoned burned out cars sit in the middle of the road after the Camp Fire moved through the area on November 8, 2018 in Paradise, California. Fueled by high winds and low humidity, the rapidly spreading wildfire has ripped through the town of Paradise, charring 18,000 acres and destroying dozens of homes in a matter of hours. The fire is currently at zero containment.
Abandoned burned out cars sit in the middle of the road after the Camp Fire moved through the area on November 8, 2018 in Paradise, California. Fueled by high winds and low humidity, the rapidly spreading
Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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A scorched vehicle rests on a roadside as the Camp Fire tears through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets as they abandoned vehicles and struck out on foot ahead of the flames that forced the evacuation of an entire town and destroyed hundreds of structures.
A scorched vehicle rests on a roadside as the Camp Fire tears through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some
Photo: Noah Berger/AP
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Flames burn inside a van as the Camp Fire tears through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets as they abandoned vehicles and struck out on foot ahead of the flames that forced the evacuation of an entire town and destroyed hundreds of structures.
Flames burn inside a van as the Camp Fire tears through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching
Photo: Noah Berger/AP
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Traffic backs up on Highway 70 as people evacuate from the Camp Fire as it moves through the area on November 8, 2018 in Paradise, California. Fueled by high winds and low humidity, the rapidly spreading Camp Fire has ripped through the town of Paradise and has quickly charred 18,000 acres and has destroyed dozens of homes in a matter of hours. The fire is currently at zero containment.
Traffic backs up on Highway 70 as people evacuate from the Camp Fire as it moves through the area on November 8, 2018 in Paradise, California. Fueled by high winds and low humidity, the rapidly spreading Camp
Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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Cars escape the Camp Fire as they drive south on Pentz Road in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.Cars escape the Camp Fire as they drive south on Pentz Road in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.
Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, The Chronicle
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A partially burned flag flies during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Friday, November 9, 2018.A partially burned flag flies during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Friday, November 9, 2018.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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Smoke billows out from a house during the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.Smoke billows out from a house during the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.
Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, The Chronicle
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A hotshot firefighter watches as the Camp Fire burns off of Pentz Road in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.A hotshot firefighter watches as the Camp Fire burns off of Pentz Road in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.
Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, The Chronicle
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Darlene’s Fine Candy & Ice Cream in Old Town Plaza during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Friday, November 9, 2018.Darlene’s Fine Candy & Ice Cream in Old Town Plaza during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Friday, November 9, 2018.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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Brian Robinson and his dog, Beulah, walk down Elliot Road during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Friday, November 9, 2018.Brian Robinson and his dog, Beulah, walk down Elliot Road during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Friday, November 9, 2018.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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Fire trucks stage on Highway 191 during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Friday, November 9, 2018.Fire trucks stage on Highway 191 during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Friday, November 9, 2018.
Photo: Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle
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The Safeway grocery store was gutted during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Friday, November 9, 2018.The Safeway grocery store was gutted during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Friday, November 9, 2018.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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The Camp Fire burns off of Pentz Road in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.The Camp Fire burns off of Pentz Road in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.
Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, The Chronicle
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Cases of beer inside gutted Safeway grocery store during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Friday, November 9, 2018.Cases of beer inside gutted Safeway grocery store during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Friday, November 9, 2018.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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The Safeway grocery store was gutted during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Friday, November 9, 2018.The Safeway grocery store was gutted during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Friday, November 9, 2018.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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A scorched vehicle rests on a roadside as the Camp Fire tears through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets as they abandoned vehicles and struck out on foot ahead of the flames that forced the evacuation of an entire town and destroyed hundreds of structures.
A scorched vehicle rests on a roadside as the Camp Fire tears through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some
Photo: Noah Berger/AP
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A hotshot crewmember watches as the Camp Fire burns off of Pentz Road in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.A hotshot crewmember watches as the Camp Fire burns off of Pentz Road in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.
Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, The Chronicle
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First Assembly of God Church was destroyed during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Friday, November 9, 2018.First Assembly of God Church was destroyed during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Friday, November 9, 2018.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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Burned vehicles at a car dealership during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Friday, November 9, 2018.Burned vehicles at a car dealership during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Friday, November 9, 2018.
Photo: Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle
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Residents of Paradise wait outside the evacuation area during Camp Fire west of Paradise, Calif.. on Friday, November 9, 2018.Residents of Paradise wait outside the evacuation area during Camp Fire west of Paradise, Calif.. on Friday, November 9, 2018.
Photo: Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle
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Abandoned burned out cars sit in the middle of the road after the Camp Fire moved through the area on November 8, 2018 in Paradise, California. Fueled by high winds and low humidity, the rapidly spreading wildfire has ripped through the town of Paradise, charring 18,000 acres and destroying dozens of homes in a matter of hours. The fire is currently at zero containment.
Abandoned burned out cars sit in the middle of the road after the Camp Fire moved through the area on November 8, 2018 in Paradise, California. Fueled by high winds and low humidity, the rapidly spreading
Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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A pick up truck drives on a road during Camp Fire west of Paradise, Calif.. on Friday, November 9, 2018.A pick up truck drives on a road during Camp Fire west of Paradise, Calif.. on Friday, November 9, 2018.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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A pick up truck drives on a road during Camp Fire west of Paradise, Calif.. on Friday, November 9, 2018.A pick up truck drives on a road during Camp Fire west of Paradise, Calif.. on Friday, November 9, 2018.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints burns during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints burns during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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A home burns as the Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets as they abandoned vehicles and struck out on foot ahead of the flames that forced the evacuation of an entire town. lessA home burns as the Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets … more
Photo: Noah Berger, AP
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A home burns as the Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets as they abandoned vehicles and struck out on foot ahead of the flames that forced the evacuation of an entire town. lessA home burns as the Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets … more
Photo: Noah Berger, AP
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The Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets as they abandoned vehicles and struck out on foot ahead of the flames that forced the evacuation of an entire town. lessThe Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets as they abandoned … more
Photo: Noah Berger, AP
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A home burns as the Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets as they abandoned vehicles and struck out on foot ahead of the flames that forced the evacuation of an entire town. lessA home burns as the Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets … more
Photo: Noah Berger, AP
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Vehicles burn during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.Vehicles burn during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints burns during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints burns during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints burns during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints burns during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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Businesses burn in downtown Paradise during Camp Fire in Butte County, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.Businesses burn in downtown Paradise during Camp Fire in Butte County, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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A PG&E worker runs while dealing with downed power lines during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.A PG&E worker runs while dealing with downed power lines during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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A charred wheelchair in Paradise Gardens senior community during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.A charred wheelchair in Paradise Gardens senior community during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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A business burns during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.A business burns during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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Smoke from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., darkens the sky Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Don Thompson)Smoke from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., darkens the sky Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Don Thompson)
Photo: Don Thompson, Associated Press
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The massive plume from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., wafts over the Sacramento Valley as seen from Chico, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Authorities in Northern California have ordered mandatory evacuations in a rural area where the wildfire has grown to 1,000 acres (405 hectares) amid hot and windy weather. (David Little/Chico Enterprise-Record via AP) lessThe massive plume from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., wafts over the Sacramento Valley as seen from Chico, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Authorities in Northern … more
Photo: David Little, AP
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Smoke from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., darkens the sky above the Butte College sig in Oroville, Calif., Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.Smoke from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., darkens the sky above the Butte College sig in Oroville, Calif., Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.
Photo: Don Thompson, AP
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Twitter user jackieglazerr captured dark plumes of smoke from the Camp Fire filling the sky over Fair Street in Chico.Twitter user jackieglazerr captured dark plumes of smoke from the Camp Fire filling the sky over Fair Street in Chico.
Photo: Twitter
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Nicole Kowalczyke of Chico stepped outside to look at smoke from the Camp Fire Thursday morning, and a singed piece of paper fell from the sky.
Nicole Kowalczyke of Chico stepped outside to look at smoke from the Camp Fire Thursday morning, and a singed piece of paper fell from the sky.
Photo: Nicole Kowalczyke
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A helicopter flies towards the Camp Fire in Butte County, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.A helicopter flies towards the Camp Fire in Butte County, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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Smoke from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., darkens the sky Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.Smoke from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., darkens the sky Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.
Photo: Don Thompson, AP
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Smoke from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., darkens the sky as seen from Highway 99 near Marysville, Calif., Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.Smoke from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., darkens the sky as seen from Highway 99 near Marysville, Calif., Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.
Photo: Don Thompson, AP
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Jim and Irene Cooper get out of their vehicle after evacuating from Paradise during Camp Fire in Butte County, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.Jim and Irene Cooper get out of their vehicle after evacuating from Paradise during Camp Fire in Butte County, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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After evacuating from her home in Paradise, Angie Waltmon wipes away a tear while watching Camp Fire from along Highway 191 in Butte County, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.After evacuating from her home in Paradise, Angie Waltmon wipes away a tear while watching Camp Fire from along Highway 191 in Butte County, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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View of the Camp Fire taken by a resident of nearby Chico. Nov. 8, 2018
View of the Camp Fire taken by a resident of nearby Chico. Nov. 8, 2018
Photo: Nicole Kowalczyke
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Napa County residents reported seeing smoke from the Camp Fire north of Sacramento on Nov. 8, 2018.Napa County residents reported seeing smoke from the Camp Fire north of Sacramento on Nov. 8, 2018.
Photo: Craig Philpott
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Smoke blankets the air over the California State University, Chico, which is 15 miles from the Camp Fire burning near Paradise, Calif. on Nov. 8, 2018.Smoke blankets the air over the California State University, Chico, which is 15 miles from the Camp Fire burning near Paradise, Calif. on Nov. 8, 2018.
Photo: Twitter
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Evacuations were ordered in Butte County Thursday after a wildfire grew to more than 1,000 acres.
Evacuations were ordered in Butte County Thursday after a wildfire grew to more than 1,000 acres.
Photo: Twitter / Cal Fire Butte Unit
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Twitter user jackieglazerr captured dark plumes of smoke from the Camp Fire filling the sky over Fair Street in Chico.Twitter user jackieglazerr captured dark plumes of smoke from the Camp Fire filling the sky over Fair Street in Chico.
Photo: Twitter
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Smoke blankets the air over the California State University, Chico, which is 15 miles from the Camp Fire burning near Paradise, Calif. on Nov. 8, 2018.
Smoke blankets the air over the California State University, Chico, which is 15 miles from the Camp Fire burning near Paradise, Calif. on Nov. 8, 2018.
Photo: Cal Fire
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Evacuations were ordered in Butte County Thursday after a wildfire grew to more than 1,000 acres.
Evacuations were ordered in Butte County Thursday after a wildfire grew to more than 1,000 acres.
Photo: Twitter / Cal Fire Butte Unit
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Smoke blankets the air over the California State University, Chico, which is 15 miles from the Camp Fire burning near Paradise, Calif. on Nov. 8, 2018.Smoke blankets the air over the California State University, Chico, which is 15 miles from the Camp Fire burning near Paradise, Calif. on Nov. 8, 2018.
Photo: Jason Halley
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Smoke blankets the air over the California State University, Chico, which is 15 miles from the Camp Fire burning near Paradise, Calif. on Nov. 8, 2018.Smoke blankets the air over the California State University, Chico, which is 15 miles from the Camp Fire burning near Paradise, Calif. on Nov. 8, 2018.
Photo: Jason Halley
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Smoke blankets the air over the California State University, Chico, which is 15 miles from the Camp Fire burning near Paradise, Calif. on Nov. 8, 2018.Smoke blankets the air over the California State University, Chico, which is 15 miles from the Camp Fire burning near Paradise, Calif. on Nov. 8, 2018.
Photo: Jason Halley
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Evacuations were ordered in Butte County Thursday after a wildfire grew to more than 1,000 acres.
Evacuations were ordered in Butte County Thursday after a wildfire grew to more than 1,000 acres.
Photo: Twitter / Cal Fire Butte Unit
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Smoke from the Camp Fire is seen from Durham-Pentz Rd. on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 in Paradise, Calif.Smoke from the Camp Fire is seen from Durham-Pentz Rd. on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 in Paradise, Calif.
Photo: Gabirelle Lurie, The Chronicle
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Caption
Close
An abandoned vehicle sits in a ditch on Pentz Road in Paradise, Calif., Thursday, November 8, 2018, after the neighborhood was evacuated in the wake of the Campfire.
An abandoned vehicle sits in a ditch on Pentz Road in Paradise, Calif., Thursday, November 8, 2018, after the neighborhood was evacuated in the wake of the Campfire.
Photo: Digital First Media/The Mercury /Digital First Media Via Getty Im
Devastating photos from a small California town devastated by wildfire show the smoldering shells of vehicles abandoned in the middle of the road as residents attempted to escape encroaching flames.
The photos illuminate the sense of panic the 27,000 residents of Paradise, Calif., must have felt on Thursday as the Camp Fire quickly turned into an inferno.
Many residents said traffic jams developed as they left as panicked people fled, some abandoning their cars to try to escape on foot, clutching pets and babies.
Some people who escaped the Camp Fire spent the night at a church in the nearby city of Chico. They told harrowing tales Friday of a slow motion escape from a fire so close they could feel it inside their vehicles as they sat stuck in terrifying gridlock.
They say it was like the entire town of 27,000 residents decide to leave at once.
Fire surrounded the evacuation route and drivers panicked, some crashing and others abandoning their vehicles to try their luck on foot.
Sheriff’s officials in Northern California said at least five people were found dead in vehicles on a main thoroughfare heading out of Paradise. The roadway was consumed by flames. Authorities said the victims could not immediately be identified because of the burns they suffered.
Since the Camp Fire started at 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, it has grown to nearly 110 square miles — roughly double the size of San Francisco. More than 52,000 people in Northern California have been ordered to evacuate.
The fire is at 5 percent containment as of Friday morning, Cal Fire said.
Butte County officials did not send an Amber Alert-style message to warn people in and around the community of Paradise about the rapidly spreading Camp Fire early Thursday, a Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman said. Instead, she said, the department turned to an opt-in program to contact an estimated 23,000 people who had signed up to receive emergency notifications or who had landline telephones.
The Amber Alert-style warnings, called Wireless Emergency Alerts, or WEAs, can reach virtually all cellphones in a disaster zone, but emergency managers are divided on using them. Some have criticized WEA’s broad reach and potential to ping people well outside an evacuation zone, creating unnecessary panic. Other emergency managers, though, believe they are the best way to warn people who might be in harm’s way.
Jaoquin Palomino, a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer, and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Read Michelle Robertson’s latest stories and send her news tips at [email protected].
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