BREAKING NEWS
Why is it called the Camp Fire? How California's most destructive wildfire got its name
By Eric Ting, SFGATE
Updated-
Cars pass Skyway highway during the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.Cars pass Skyway highway during the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.Photo: Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle
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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. Photo: Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle]()
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 -
![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. Photo: Jessica Christian / The Chronicle]()
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 -
![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. Photo: Jessica Christian / The Chronicle]()
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. Photo: Noah Berger, AP / Noah Berger]()
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 -
![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]()
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 -
![Firefighters work on a controlled burn at a wildfire, Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, in Magalia, Calif. Photo: John Locher, AP / Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.]()
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 -
![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. Photo: John Locher, AP / Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.]()
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. Photo: John Locher, AP / Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.]()
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 -
![A firefighter sprays water on a controlled burn at a wildfire, Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, in Magalia, Calif. Photo: John Locher, AP / Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.]()
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 -
![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]()
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 -
![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]()
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. Photo: Jessica Christian, The Chronicle]()
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 -
![Businesses burn in downtown Paradise during Camp Fire in Butte County, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018. Photo: Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle]()
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 -
![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. Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle]()
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 -
![Dramatic black plumes of smoke from the Camp Fire near Chico. Photo: Oakland Firefighters Local 55 Facebook Page]()
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. Photo: Noah Berger, AP / Noah Berger]()
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 -
![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 / Noah Berger]()
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 -
![Abandoned vehicles line Skyway after a wildfire burned through Paradise, Calif., on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. Photo: Noah Berger, AP / Noah Berger]()
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 -
![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 / Noah Berger]()
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. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle]()
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 -
![Smoke billows out from a house during the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Photo: Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle]()
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 -
![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]()
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 -
![Fire trucks stage on Highway 191 during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Friday, November 9, 2018. Photo: Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle]()
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. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle]()
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 -
![The Camp Fire burns off of Pentz Road in Paradise, California, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Photo: Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle]()
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 -
![Cases of beer inside gutted Safeway grocery store during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Friday, November 9, 2018. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle]()
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 -
![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. Photo: Noah Berger/AP]()
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. Photo: Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle]()
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 -
![First Assembly of God Church was destroyed during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Friday, November 9, 2018. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle]()
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 -
![Burned vehicles at a car dealership during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Friday, November 9, 2018. Photo: Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle]()
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 -
![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]()
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. Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images]()
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. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle]()
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 -
![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]()
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 -
![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]()
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. Photo: Noah Berger, AP / Noah Berger]()
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 -
![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. Photo: Noah Berger, AP / Noah Berger]()
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 -
![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. Photo: Noah Berger, AP / Noah Berger]()
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 -
![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. Photo: Noah Berger, AP / Noah Berger]()
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. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle]()
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 -
![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]()
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 -
![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]()
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 -
![Businesses burn in downtown Paradise during Camp Fire in Butte County, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle]()
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. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle]()
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 -
![A charred wheelchair in Paradise Gardens senior community during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle]()
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 -
![A business burns during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif.. on Thursday, November 8, 2018. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle]()
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 -
![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]()
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) Photo: David Little, AP / Media News Group]()
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 -
![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 / Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.]()
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 -
![Twitter user jackieglazerr captured dark plumes of smoke from the Camp Fire filling the sky over Fair Street in Chico. Photo: Twitter]()
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 -
![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 Kowalczyke]()
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. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle]()
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 -
![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 / Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.]()
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 -
![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 / Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.]()
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 -
![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]()
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. Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle]()
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 -
![View of the Camp Fire taken by a resident of nearby Chico. Nov. 8, 2018 Photo: Nicole Kowalczyke]()
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. Photo: Craig Philpott]()
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 -
![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]()
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. Photo: Twitter]()
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 -
![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 Fire]()
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 Unit]()
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. Photo: Jason Halley]()
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. Photo: Jason Halley]()
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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Photo: Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle
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Cars pass Skyway highway during the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.
Cars pass Skyway highway during the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.
Photo: Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle
Why is it called the Camp Fire? How California's most destructive wildfire got its name
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How did California's most destructive fire come to be called the Camp Fire?
Butte County's deadly Camp Fire was named after Camp Creek Road, the location where the fire started.
Wildfires are often named after their places of origin. For example, last year's deadly Tubbs Fire was named after Tubbs Lane in Santa Rosa.
According to Cal Fire, naming wildfires based on location "allows fire officials to track and prioritize incidents by name."
In two days, the Camp Fire has ravaged over 6,453 homes and 260 commercial buildings across Butte County. The fire has claimed the lives of at least nine people, according to authorities, and that number is expected to increase in the next few days.
The cause of the fire is unknown.
Eric Ting is an SFGATE staff writer. Email him at eting@sfchronicle.com and follow him on Twitter
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