Thousands Evacuated as Bear Fire Threatens Northern California's Butte County

At least 20,000 people have evacuated as the Bear Fire spread rapidly in Butte County, in Northern California, on Wednesday, September 9, local media reported.

The Bear Fire is part of the North Complex, a series of fires sparked by lightning several weeks ago in the Plumas National Forest area, local media said. The North Complex has reportedly burned over 58,000 acres and was 37 percent contained as of Wednesday.

A number of evacuation advisories have been issued, including a voluntary evacuation warning for nearly the entire city of Oroville, reports said.

Photographer Jason O’Hanlon said this video shows flames from the Bear Fire at 3 am on Wednesday. Credit: Jason A O’Hanlon/@mrjasonandrew via Storyful