A fire in Ponderosa started Tuesday afternoon, growing to cover 2,500 acres.

The fire, nine-miles northeast of Oroville, is zero percent contained and expected to expand further north, according to Cal Fire.

25 damaged, destroyed homes have been reported.

Cal Fire has arrested 29-year-old John Ballenger, on suspicion of letting an illegal campfire escape.

Cal Fire Public Information Office expects a difficult fight due to the conditions created from years of drought and the past winter’s heavy rain.

Lori Nichols, Red Cross Supervisor at Church of the Nazarene, remains committed to providing refuge to evacuees from the area, her team prepares for more fleeing of the fire.

Small and large Animal shelters will also be open. Locations can be found at the Butte County website.

Further information can be reached at the Fire Informational line at (530) 538-7826 or visit YubaNet Fire News.

Christian Solis can be reached at [email protected] or @c_alexander20 on Twitter.