BREAKING NEWS
Man fights Paradise fire for hours to save his disabled 90-year-old mother
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Brad Weldon stands by a sign he made that reads "Need H20 & Gas Pls!" hoping for assistance after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Weldon stayed in his home with his 90-year-old mother, Norma Weldon, and roommate, Mic McCrary, as the fire overtook their entire neighborhood while leaving his home untouched.
lessPhoto: Jessica Christian / The ChronicleBrad Weldon stands by a sign he made that reads "Need H20 & Gas Pls!" hoping for assistance after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Weldon stayed in his
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Firefighters walk through a charred neighborhood off Billie Road after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018.
Photo: Jessica Christian / The ChronicleFirefighters walk through a charred neighborhood off Billie Road after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018.
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A water meter is seen melted outside of a home that once stood on Billie Road after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018.
Photo: Jessica Christian / The ChronicleA water meter is seen melted outside of a home that once stood on Billie Road after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018.
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Brad Weldon looks at a charred U-Haul that was burnt inside a storage unit facility after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018.
Photo: Jessica Christian / The ChronicleBrad Weldon looks at a charred U-Haul that was burnt inside a storage unit facility after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018.
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Mic McCrary, 27, sits on a motorized go-cart that he used to rescue his two dogs, pictures, as the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. McCrary stayed in his home with 90-year-old Norma Weldon and her son, Brad, as the fire overtook their entire neighborhood while leaving his home untouched.
lessPhoto: Jessica Christian / The ChronicleMic McCrary, 27, sits on a motorized go-cart that he used to rescue his two dogs, pictures, as the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. McCrary stayed in his home
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Charred mailboxes sit on the ground along Lisa Lane after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018.
Photo: Jessica Christian / The ChronicleCharred mailboxes sit on the ground along Lisa Lane after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018.
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Brad Weldon carries water dropped off by passerbys back to his home, through his neighborhood that was destroyed after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Weldon stayed in his home with his 90-year-old mother, Norma Weldon, and roommate, Mic McCrary, as the fire overtook their entire neighborhood while leaving his home untouched.
lessPhoto: Jessica Christian / The ChronicleBrad Weldon carries water dropped off by passerbys back to his home, through his neighborhood that was destroyed after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018.
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Brad Weldon picks up a large piece of melted aluminum that was left after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Weldon stayed in his home with his 90-year-old mother, Norma Weldon, and roommate, Mic McCrary, as the fire overtook their entire neighborhood while leaving his home untouched.
lessPhoto: Jessica Christian / The ChronicleBrad Weldon picks up a large piece of melted aluminum that was left after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Weldon stayed in his home with his 90-year-old
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A basketball hoop and other belongings sit charred on Brad Weldon's property after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Weldon stayed in his home with his 90-year-old mother, Norma Weldon, and roommate, Mic McCrary, as the fire overtook their entire neighborhood while leaving his home untouched.
lessPhoto: Jessica Christian / The ChronicleA basketball hoop and other belongings sit charred on Brad Weldon's property after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Weldon stayed in his home with his
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Smoke fills the canyon above Butte Creek as the Camp Fire rips through the town of Paradise, Calif. and beyond Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018.
Photo: Jessica Christian / The ChronicleSmoke fills the canyon above Butte Creek as the Camp Fire rips through the town of Paradise, Calif. and beyond Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018.
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Sheriffs yell to drivers to evacuate the area off of Pentz Road during the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.Sheriffs yell to drivers to evacuate the area off of Pentz Road during the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.Photo: Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle
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Mic McCrary, 27, sits on a motorized go-cart that he used to rescue his two dogs, pictures, as the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. McCrary stayed in his home with 90-year-old Norma Weldon and her son, Brad, as the fire overtook their entire neighborhood while leaving his home untouched. lessMic McCrary, 27, sits on a motorized go-cart that he used to rescue his two dogs, pictures, as the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. McCrary stayed in his home ... morePhoto: Jessica Christian / The Chronicle
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Brad Weldon checks on his mother, Norma Weldon, 90, as they stay inside their home after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Weldon stayed in his home with his 90-year-old mother, Norma Weldon, and roommate, Mic McCrary, as the fire overtook their entire neighborhood while leaving his home untouched. lessBrad Weldon checks on his mother, Norma Weldon, 90, as they stay inside their home after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Weldon stayed in his home with his ... morePhoto: Jessica Christian / The Chronicle
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Officer Randy Law tends to a rescued horse as a wildfire burns in Paradise, Calif., on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.Officer Randy Law tends to a rescued horse as a wildfire burns in Paradise, Calif., on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.Photo: Noah Berger, AP
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Firefighter Jose Corona sprays water as flames consume from the Camp Fire consume a home in Magalia, Calif., on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)Firefighter Jose Corona sprays water as flames consume from the Camp Fire consume a home in Magalia, Calif., on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)Photo: Noah Berger / Associated Press
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Firefighters work on a controlled burn at a wildfire, Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, in Magalia, Calif.Firefighters work on a controlled burn at a wildfire, Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, in Magalia, Calif.Photo: John Locher, AP
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Araya Cipollini cries near the remains of her family's home burned in the Camp Fire, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Paradise, Calif. The blaze that started Thursday outside the hilly town of Paradise has grown and destroyed more than 6,700 buildings, almost all of them homes, making it California's most destructive wildfire since record-keeping began. But crews have made gains and the fire is partially contained, officials said Saturday. lessAraya Cipollini cries near the remains of her family's home burned in the Camp Fire, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Paradise, Calif. The blaze that started Thursday outside the hilly town of Paradise has grown ... morePhoto: John Locher, AP
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Krystin Harvey, left, comforts her daughter Araya Cipollini at the remains of their home burned in the Camp Fire, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Paradise, Calif. The blaze that started Thursday outside the hilly town of Paradise has grown and destroyed more than 6,700 buildings, almost all of them homes, making it California's most destructive wildfire since record-keeping began. But crews have made gains and the fire is partially contained, officials said Saturday. lessKrystin Harvey, left, comforts her daughter Araya Cipollini at the remains of their home burned in the Camp Fire, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Paradise, Calif. The blaze that started Thursday outside the hilly ... morePhoto: John Locher, AP
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A firefighter sprays water on a controlled burn at a wildfire, Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, in Magalia, Calif.A firefighter sprays water on a controlled burn at a wildfire, Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, in Magalia, Calif.Photo: John Locher, AP
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Brad Weldon looks at a charred U-Haul that was burnt inside a storage unit facility after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018.Brad Weldon looks at a charred U-Haul that was burnt inside a storage unit facility after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018.Photo: Jessica Christian / The Chronicle
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Charred mailboxes sit on the ground along Lisa Lane after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018.Charred mailboxes sit on the ground along Lisa Lane after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018.Photo: Jessica Christian / The Chronicle
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Mic McCrary, 27, shuts the sliding glass door of his home behind him before checking out damage around the neighborhood after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. McCrary stayed in his home with 90-year-old Norma Weldon and her son, Brad, as the fire overtook their entire neighborhood while leaving his home untouched. lessMic McCrary, 27, shuts the sliding glass door of his home behind him before checking out damage around the neighborhood after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, ... morePhoto: Jessica Christian, The Chronicle
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Businesses burn in downtown Paradise during Camp Fire in Butte County, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.Businesses burn in downtown Paradise during Camp Fire in Butte County, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.Photo: Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle
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The sun rises above the East Bay hills through a smoky haze in Berkeley, Calif. on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. Air quality in the region remains unhealthy while smoke from the Camp Fire in Butte County continues to drift to the south. lessThe sun rises above the East Bay hills through a smoky haze in Berkeley, Calif. on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. Air quality in the region remains unhealthy while smoke from the Camp Fire in Butte County continues to ... morePhoto: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle
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Dramatic black plumes of smoke from the Camp Fire near Chico.
Photo: Oakland Firefighters Local 55 Facebook PageDramatic black plumes of smoke from the Camp Fire near Chico.
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Firefighter Jose Corona monitors a burning home as the Camp Fire burns in Magalia, Calif., on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.Firefighter Jose Corona monitors a burning home as the Camp Fire burns in Magalia, Calif., on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.Photo: Noah Berger, AP
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The walls of a scorched antique shop stand on Skyway after a wildfire burned through Paradise, Calif., on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.The walls of a scorched antique shop stand on Skyway after a wildfire burned through Paradise, Calif., on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.Photo: Noah Berger, AP
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Abandoned vehicles line Skyway after a wildfire burned through Paradise, Calif., on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.Abandoned vehicles line Skyway after a wildfire burned through Paradise, Calif., on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.Photo: Noah Berger, AP
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Officer Randy Law tends to a rescued horse rescued as a wildfire burns in Paradise, Calif., on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.Officer Randy Law tends to a rescued horse rescued as a wildfire burns in Paradise, Calif., on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.Photo: Noah Berger, AP
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A partially burned flag flies during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Friday, November 9, 2018.A partially burned flag flies during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Friday, November 9, 2018.Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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Smoke billows out from a house during the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.Smoke billows out from a house during the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.Photo: Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle
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A hotshot firefighter watches as the Camp Fire burns off of Pentz Road in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.A hotshot firefighter watches as the Camp Fire burns off of Pentz Road in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.Photo: Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle
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Fire trucks stage on Highway 191 during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Friday, November 9, 2018.Fire trucks stage on Highway 191 during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Friday, November 9, 2018.Photo: Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle
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The Safeway grocery store was gutted during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Friday, November 9, 2018.The Safeway grocery store was gutted during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Friday, November 9, 2018.Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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The Camp Fire burns off of Pentz Road in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.The Camp Fire burns off of Pentz Road in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.Photo: Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle
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Cases of beer inside gutted Safeway grocery store during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Friday, November 9, 2018.Cases of beer inside gutted Safeway grocery store during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Friday, November 9, 2018.Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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A scorched vehicle rests on a roadside as the Camp Fire tears through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets as they abandoned vehicles and struck out on foot ahead of the flames that forced the evacuation of an entire town and destroyed hundreds of structures.
lessPhoto: Noah Berger/APA scorched vehicle rests on a roadside as the Camp Fire tears through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some
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A hotshot crewmember watches as the Camp Fire burns off of Pentz Road in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.A hotshot crewmember watches as the Camp Fire burns off of Pentz Road in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.Photo: Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle
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First Assembly of God Church was destroyed during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Friday, November 9, 2018.First Assembly of God Church was destroyed during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Friday, November 9, 2018.Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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Burned vehicles at a car dealership during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Friday, November 9, 2018.Burned vehicles at a car dealership during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Friday, November 9, 2018.Photo: Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle
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Residents of Paradise wait outside the evacuation area during Camp Fire west of Paradise, Calif.. on Friday, November 9, 2018.Residents of Paradise wait outside the evacuation area during Camp Fire west of Paradise, Calif.. on Friday, November 9, 2018.Photo: Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle
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Abandoned burned out cars sit in the middle of the road after the Camp Fire moved through the area on November 8, 2018 in Paradise, California. Fueled by high winds and low humidity, the rapidly spreading wildfire has ripped through the town of Paradise, charring 18,000 acres and destroying dozens of homes in a matter of hours. The fire is currently at zero containment.
lessPhoto: Justin Sullivan/Getty ImagesAbandoned burned out cars sit in the middle of the road after the Camp Fire moved through the area on November 8, 2018 in Paradise, California. Fueled by high winds and low humidity, the rapidly spreading
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A pick up truck drives on a road during Camp Fire west of Paradise, Calif.. on Friday, November 9, 2018.A pick up truck drives on a road during Camp Fire west of Paradise, Calif.. on Friday, November 9, 2018.Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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A pick up truck drives on a road during Camp Fire west of Paradise, Calif.. on Friday, November 9, 2018.A pick up truck drives on a road during Camp Fire west of Paradise, Calif.. on Friday, November 9, 2018.Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints burns during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints burns during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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A home burns as the Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets as they abandoned vehicles and struck out on foot ahead of the flames that forced the evacuation of an entire town. lessA home burns as the Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets ... morePhoto: Noah Berger, AP
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A home burns as the Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets as they abandoned vehicles and struck out on foot ahead of the flames that forced the evacuation of an entire town. lessA home burns as the Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets ... morePhoto: Noah Berger, AP
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The Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets as they abandoned vehicles and struck out on foot ahead of the flames that forced the evacuation of an entire town. lessThe Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets as they abandoned ... morePhoto: Noah Berger, AP
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A home burns as the Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets as they abandoned vehicles and struck out on foot ahead of the flames that forced the evacuation of an entire town. lessA home burns as the Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets ... morePhoto: Noah Berger, AP
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Vehicles burn during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.Vehicles burn during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints burns during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints burns during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.Photo: Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle
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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints burns during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints burns during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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Businesses burn in downtown Paradise during Camp Fire in Butte County, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.Businesses burn in downtown Paradise during Camp Fire in Butte County, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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A PG&E worker runs while dealing with downed power lines during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.A PG&E worker runs while dealing with downed power lines during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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A charred wheelchair in Paradise Gardens senior community during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.A charred wheelchair in Paradise Gardens senior community during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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A business burns during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.A business burns during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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Smoke from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., darkens the sky Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Don Thompson)Smoke from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., darkens the sky Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Don Thompson)Photo: Don Thompson, Associated Press
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The massive plume from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., wafts over the Sacramento Valley as seen from Chico, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Authorities in Northern California have ordered mandatory evacuations in a rural area where the wildfire has grown to 1,000 acres (405 hectares) amid hot and windy weather. (David Little/Chico Enterprise-Record via AP) lessThe massive plume from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., wafts over the Sacramento Valley as seen from Chico, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Authorities in Northern ... morePhoto: David Little, AP
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Smoke from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., darkens the sky above the Butte College sig in Oroville, Calif., Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.Smoke from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., darkens the sky above the Butte College sig in Oroville, Calif., Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.Photo: Don Thompson, AP
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Twitter user jackieglazerr captured dark plumes of smoke from the Camp Fire filling the sky over Fair Street in Chico.Twitter user jackieglazerr captured dark plumes of smoke from the Camp Fire filling the sky over Fair Street in Chico.Photo: Twitter
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Nicole Kowalczyke of Chico stepped outside to look at smoke from the Camp Fire Thursday morning, and a singed piece of paper fell from the sky.
Photo: Nicole KowalczykeNicole Kowalczyke of Chico stepped outside to look at smoke from the Camp Fire Thursday morning, and a singed piece of paper fell from the sky.
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A helicopter flies towards the Camp Fire in Butte County, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.A helicopter flies towards the Camp Fire in Butte County, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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Smoke from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., darkens the sky Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.Smoke from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., darkens the sky Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.Photo: Don Thompson, AP
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Smoke from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., darkens the sky as seen from Highway 99 near Marysville, Calif., Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.Smoke from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., darkens the sky as seen from Highway 99 near Marysville, Calif., Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.Photo: Don Thompson, AP
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Jim and Irene Cooper get out of their vehicle after evacuating from Paradise during Camp Fire in Butte County, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.Jim and Irene Cooper get out of their vehicle after evacuating from Paradise during Camp Fire in Butte County, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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After evacuating from her home in Paradise, Angie Waltmon wipes away a tear while watching Camp Fire from along Highway 191 in Butte County, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.After evacuating from her home in Paradise, Angie Waltmon wipes away a tear while watching Camp Fire from along Highway 191 in Butte County, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018.Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
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View of the Camp Fire taken by a resident of nearby Chico. Nov. 8, 2018
Photo: Nicole KowalczykeView of the Camp Fire taken by a resident of nearby Chico. Nov. 8, 2018
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Napa County residents reported seeing smoke from the Camp Fire north of Sacramento on Nov. 8, 2018.Napa County residents reported seeing smoke from the Camp Fire north of Sacramento on Nov. 8, 2018.Photo: Craig Philpott
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Smoke blankets the air over the California State University, Chico, which is 15 miles from the Camp Fire burning near Paradise, Calif. on Nov. 8, 2018.Smoke blankets the air over the California State University, Chico, which is 15 miles from the Camp Fire burning near Paradise, Calif. on Nov. 8, 2018.Photo: Twitter
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Twitter user jackieglazerr captured dark plumes of smoke from the Camp Fire filling the sky over Fair Street in Chico.Twitter user jackieglazerr captured dark plumes of smoke from the Camp Fire filling the sky over Fair Street in Chico.Photo: Twitter
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Smoke blankets the air over the California State University, Chico, which is 15 miles from the Camp Fire burning near Paradise, Calif. on Nov. 8, 2018.
Photo: Cal FireSmoke blankets the air over the California State University, Chico, which is 15 miles from the Camp Fire burning near Paradise, Calif. on Nov. 8, 2018.
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Evacuations were ordered in Butte County Thursday after a wildfire grew to more than 1,000 acres.
Photo: Twitter / Cal Fire Butte UnitEvacuations were ordered in Butte County Thursday after a wildfire grew to more than 1,000 acres.
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Smoke blankets the air over the California State University, Chico, which is 15 miles from the Camp Fire burning near Paradise, Calif. on Nov. 8, 2018.Smoke blankets the air over the California State University, Chico, which is 15 miles from the Camp Fire burning near Paradise, Calif. on Nov. 8, 2018.Photo: Jason Halley
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Smoke blankets the air over the California State University, Chico, which is 15 miles from the Camp Fire burning near Paradise, Calif. on Nov. 8, 2018.Smoke blankets the air over the California State University, Chico, which is 15 miles from the Camp Fire burning near Paradise, Calif. on Nov. 8, 2018.Photo: Jason Halley
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Brad Weldon stands by a sign he made that reads "Need H20 & Gas Pls!" hoping for assistance after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Weldon stayed in his home with his 90-year-old mother, Norma Weldon, and roommate, Mic McCrary, as the fire overtook their entire neighborhood while leaving his home untouched.
lessBrad Weldon stands by a sign he made that reads "Need H20 & Gas Pls!" hoping for assistance after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Weldon stayed in his
... morePARADISE — Brad Weldon heard the sirens and watched as each of his neighbors on Lisa Lane in Paradise jumped into their cars and fled as a wall of flames descended on their town. They should go too, he knew that. It’s crazy to stay, he remembers thinking.
But, his 90-year-old mother, Norma, immobile and blind, was having none of it.
“She said ‘F-you I’m not leaving,’” said the 63-year-old Weldon. “So, I said OK, we are going to fight it and we did.”
Brad Weldon checks on his mother, Norma Weldon, 90, as they stay inside their home after the Camp Fire devastated the entire town of Paradise, Calif. Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. Weldon stayed in his home with his 90-year-old mother, Norma Weldon, and roommate, Mic McCrary, as the fire overtook their entire neighborhood while leaving his home untouched.
Brad Weldon checks on his mother, Norma Weldon, 90, as they stay...
For the next 14 hours, Weldon and his roommate, Mic McCrary, did what California fire officials have urged people not to do. They stayed behind and used garden hoses and five-gallon buckets to douse the flames that ate through their neighborhood, consuming the storage units at the end of the street and the homes on either side of his own. The sound of exploding ammunition and propane tanks punctuated the day and night.
“I felt like I was fighting an elephant with a piece of spaghetti,” Weldon said.
They knew they were lucky to survive.
The deadly Camp Fire in Butte County ripped through Paradise Friday, fueled by strong winds that helped it grow to 100,005 acres by Saturday evening, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reported.
The death toll now stands at 23 for a fire that has destroyed 6,453 homes and 260 commercial buildings, making it the most destructive in California history. Another 15,000 structures remain threatened by the blaze.
Weldon said nearly all of his friends lost their homes. His 1.5-acre property will likely be filled with tents accommodating those who have nowhere else to go. On Saturday afternoon, his street and the other roads throughout Paradise were deserted, except for firefighters putting out spot fires and Pacific Gas & Electric Co. crews checking on downed lines.
Weldon stood on the main drag through town, the Skyway, holding a sign pleading for gas and water.
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The fire licked the side of his yard, but that was it. The green shrubbery on his back patio stood in stark contrast to the earth scorched with various shades of gray scorched around his house. A blackened chicken stood so still in a neighbor’s charred yard that it was mistaken for dead.
“No, he’s alive,” Weldon said, just as the bird cocked its head.
McCrary quieted two chihuahuas as they looked at the chicken. Leaning down to pet them, He said he rescued the dogs from the blaze, jumping into a go-kart normally used for racing around Weldon’s property to drive past the gridlocked cars to his brother’s house, two miles away.
His brother had been at work and was unable to return home when the fire broke out.
“I tucked them into my jacket and took off,” McCrary said.
He put his brother’s Sun Conure parrot under his collar as he held the dogs, but realized when he made it back to Weldon’s home that the bird was no longer there. He wants to believe the parrot made it, that it flew above the smoke and flames and someone will find him.
“I’ve posted his picture on social media,” McCrary said.
Inside the Weldon home, 90-year-old Norma Weldon gently touched her son’s hand. The house was sealed up as best possible in hopes of keeping the thick smoke out. Norma Weldon’s frail body was stretched out on an oversize chair, a blanket pulled to her chin.
Her son and McCrary are heroes, she said. She could not leave and they stayed to protect her.
“You tell people how proud I am of these boys,” she said softly.
Melody Gutierrez is the San Francisco Chronicle’s Sacramento bureau chief. Email: mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @MelodyGutierrez
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