Everyone in Paradise, a community of 27,000 people about 180 miles (290 kilometers) northeast of San Francisco, was ordered to get out. The extent of the injuries and damage was not immediately known. Two firefighters and multiple residents were injured.
There were reports of several hundred destroyed structures in Paradise, but he cautioned that officials had not been able to assess yet. Some people took refuge in a Walgreens drug store until they could be safely evacuated by firefighters. “We did have fire personnel with them so once they deem it safe we were able get them out of there,” said CalFire Capt. John Gaddie.
An Associated Press photographer saw dozens businesses and homes leveled or in flames, including a liquor store and gas station.
The blaze erupted as windy weather swept the state, creating extreme fire danger.
