Monday, 27 July 2026, 22:51
A fast-moving wildfire in Butte County prompted an evacuation order for the Forbestown area on Sunday afternoon. CAL FIRE and local fire crews are on scene attacking the blaze.
The vegetation fire ignited off Hurleton Road and Stringtown Road. Aircraft reconnaissance estimates the fire at 8 to 10 acres. Ground crews are working alongside air tankers and helicopters to contain the spread. CAL FIRE and Butte County resources are coordinating efforts. Crews stopped the fire's forward progress Sunday afternoon, according to a social media post from Cal Fire. Fire officials are actively investigating the cause of the fire.
The Butte County Sheriff's Office issued a mandatory evacuation order at 1:33 p.m. on July 26, 2026. The evacuation zone, designated Zone 855, covers residents north of Hurleton Road, east of Stringtown Road, south of Mather Lane to Findlayson Court. Officials urge immediate evacuation for all residents in that area. An hour after the order was issued, it was downgraded to a warning.
Butte County is no stranger to catastrophic wildfires. The 2018 Camp Fire, which destroyed the town of Paradise and killed 85 people, remains the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history. This latest fire, while smaller, highlights the ongoing threat to rural communities in the region.
Vegetation fires are common in Butte County during dry summer months. The region's rugged terrain and dry brush create ideal conditions for rapid fire growth. CAL FIRE maintains a high level of preparedness, and early air attack is critical in containing fires before they escalate.
Residents in the Forbestown area must follow evacuation orders immediately. The evacuation order has since been downgraded to a warning, but caution is advised. Stay tuned to local news and official channels for updates as this is a developing story.
