Critical Risk California  ·  Wildfire / Flooding

Butte County CA

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & DISASTER RISK PROFILE  ·  LAST UPDATED: Mar 2026

9/ 10
Threat Score
Population
219,186
Area
1636
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Wildfire / Flooding
FEMA Disasters
55
federally declared

Butte County was the site of the deadliest wildfire in California history when the Camp Fire destroyed the town of Paradise on November 8, 2018, killing 85 people and destroying nearly 19,000 structures. The county also faces serious flooding risk from the Feather River and Oroville Dam spillway failures.

// Preparedness Recommendations

  • Evacuation routes inland should be identified in advance.
  • Store at least 72 hours of food and water.
  • Elevate critical belongings above flood level.
  • Have backup power ready in case of grid failure.

// Recommended Supplies

Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.

// Risk Intelligence

Threat Score 9 / 10    Critical Risk
Primary Hazard Wildfire / Flooding
Secondary Hazard Earthquake
FEMA Flood Zone Zone AE (High Risk)
Federally Declared Disasters 55
Last Major Event Camp Fire (2018)
Event Frequency Major event every 3–4 years

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (530) 538-7826
Emergency Shelters 18 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes SR-99 South, SR-32 West, SR-70 South, SR-149

// County Profile

County Butte County CA
State California (CA)
Population 219,186
Area 1636 sq miles
FEMA Region Zone AE (High Risk)

// Recent Incidents

Oroville Dam Crisis Emergency Spillway Failure
Oroville CA  ·  20170207
Critical
View All Incidents →

// Major Cities

Chico CA Paradise CA

// Cities in This County

// Other California Counties

// Nearby Infrastructure Risks

Critical infrastructure facilities within or near this area that could affect civilian safety during emergencies, conflict, or infrastructure failures.

🌊
Oroville Dam CA
Major Dam  ·  Oroville  ·  California Department of Water Resources  ·  50-mi risk zone
9/10 Critical
🌊
Shasta Dam CA
Major Dam  ·  Redding  ·  Bureau of Reclamation  ·  100-mi risk zone
8/10 High

Infrastructure risk data is for emergency preparedness awareness. Facility locations are publicly known. Always follow official emergency guidance.