The Apache Fire burns south of Oroville, threatening homes and livestock. CAL FIRE crews are actively working on containment. Photo by CAL FIRE

PALERMO, CA (MPG) - A fire that broke out Monday, June 24 in the foothills east of Highway 70 has forced evacuations of homes and businesses in the area and continues to burn three days later.

According to CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection), the Apache Fire in the Palermo area has burned 673 acres and as of 6:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, press time, was 47% contained.

Butte County Sheriff’s Office put out evacuation orders for multiple areas and warnings for others. The fire also forced area street closures.

As winds and the rapid spread rate of the fire created concern that the fire would threaten parts of south Oroville, the evacuation center established at the Nazarene Church in Oroville had to be moved to the Butte County Fairgrounds in Gridley.

As of Wednesday morning, evacuation orders and street closures have since been lifted. Butte County Sheriff’s Office has announced that residents can return home.

The cause of the fire is under investigation and 75 truck companies, 10 water tenders, two helicopters and eight bulldozers are working tirelessly with 25 fire crews and two volunteer crews to knock down the wildfire.

Unfortunately, CAL FIRE reports one injury and two structures destroyed.

CAL FIRE urges the community to be aware of changing weather and fire conditions, and to be mindful of fire equipment and personnel working in areas impacted by the blaze.

 The Apache Fire burns south of Oroville, threatening homes and livestock. CAL FIRE crews are actively working on containment. Photo by CAL FIRE