As the Bear Fire continues is rapid spread throughout Plumas, Butte and Yuba counties threatening more communities as the hours pass, City Officials, Sheriffs Departments and CALFIRE are issuing expanding evacuation orders or warnings to keep the public safe.

Oroville Mayor, Chuck Reynolds, posted an update on Facebook directed to the citizens of Oroville in regard to the newest evacuation orders facing the city. In it he writes : 

"An evacuation warning has been issued for parts of the City. The warning includes the downtown area to Hwy 70. An order is not in place at this time and I am not aware of if or when that order will come. Due to this condition and the poor air quality, we have directed all City Hall staff to stay home and be prepared to evacuate as directed. The big concern for City Hall is the computer servers. If we have to leave we are going to have the IT team pull the servers in an attempt to preserve our data if the unthinkable were to occur.

The Hospital has been issued an evacuation warning. The Hospital will shelter in place. They are currently working on reducing their census. If the order is issued the Hospital will evaluate the risk of moving patients versus sheltering. This is a decision that will be made by them.

It appeared the businesses that are usually open at 530am are not open today. I think most people are preparing to evacuate or have evacuated. Olive Hwy at Foothill has been closed by the Highway Patrol.

The City will work with Chief Deal to prepare a plan for the Homeless in town, and start encouraging them to leave if possible or gather at one place so we can get them transported if it becomes necessary. There has been an evacuation point set up in Gridley at the Butte County Fair Grounds. Please direct anyone who needs a place to go to go there.

We would encourage everyone to wear a mask today, the ash in the area is very heavy and will exacerbate any underlying breathing issues. Please help with sharing the information you feel is appropriate. "