A wildfire in California threatens a popular tourist destination.

 

Thompson wildfire in Butte County is edging closer to the North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve. This reserve is renowned for its stunning display of wildflowers from March to early May. North Table Mountain is a standout location in the north attracting many visitors during its peak bloom season. 

Cal Fire's current maps show the flames approaching the reserve. Drath, on the other hand, believes the plants will be resilient. "Grasses and wildflowers tend to regenerate very quickly, especially native plants that are adapted to fire," she told me. "We believe there will be no significant long-term effects on wildflowers. With any luck, they should return next spring as normal."

The wildflower fields can be observed along the two-mile route to Phantom Falls, another popular destination in the reserve.