 Ava Norgro from North State Public Radio reports extreme heat is helping to fuel the blaze. The Thompson fire has forced the evacuation of thousands of Butte County residents since Tuesday morning. At least 25 buildings have been destroyed and the number could go up as officials continue to assess damages. Cal Fire reports 4,000 more homes are currently threatened by the fire. What that means is that that's the number of homes, residences that are within the evacuation zone areas.