The Park Fire in Northern California has grown into the largest active wildfire in the state this year covering over 350,000 acres. The fire started on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, by a man who pushed a flaming vehicle into a gully filled with dried brush in a park near Chico, California.
The blaze quickly doubled in size due to hot temperatures, dry brush and gusty winds. Federal officials report that more than 2 million acres of land have been burned across California by active fires this year with the Park Fire being a major contributor.
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As of the latest reports the Park Fire has consumed over 350,000 acres, an area larger than 1.5 times the size of New York City’s five boroughs.
Only 10% of the fire has been contained so far, despite the efforts of around 2,500 firefighters working tirelessly.
The fire has been spreading at a high rate of 5,000 acres per hour. The fire has destroyed 134 structures with many more under threat as it spreads from Butte County to Tehama County.
Thousands of residents have been evacuated and evacuation warnings are in effect for several communities including the entire town of Paradise which was devastated by the Camp Fire in 2018.
The smoke from the fire has led to air quality alerts across the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West causing health concerns for residents in these areas.
Cooler temperatures and higher humidity levels have provided some relief, offering firefighters a window to make progress. Officials warn that these conditions are temporary and not a guarantee for containing the fire.
Nearly 2,500 firefighters are battling the blaze with the aid of 16 helicopters and numerous air tankers.
California Fire Incident Commander Billy See mentioned that while the fire is spreading at a high rate.
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Butte, Tehama and Plumas Counties.
This proclamation facilitates access to resources and support for those affected including replacing lost identification and accessing unemployment benefits.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has granted aid to support firefighting efforts specifically for the Borel Fire in Kern County.
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation and has instructed his team to provide maximum support for suppression efforts.
The Park Fire initially suspected as an arson attack, has burned more than 350,000 acres since it started on Wednesday.
It has been spreading at a rate of 5,000 acres per hour, consuming more land than 1.5 times the size of New York City’s five boroughs.
The fire is 0% contained. Over 16 helicopters and numerous air tankers have been deployed to drop water and fire retardants from the sky, contingent on weather conditions.
The fire is fueled by steep terrains, abundant dry grass and gusty winds contributing to its expansion. Scott Weese, a Cal Fire behaviorist addressed the high fuel load and intense heat signature.
Mandatory evacuations have been enforced in Butte, affecting towns like Cohasset (population 400) and Forest Ranch, as well as parts of Chico, forcing over 4,000 residents to evacuate.
The entire town of Paradise, devastated by the 2018 Camp Fire and it is under an evacuation warning.
The fire has destroyed 134 structures and continues to threaten an additional 4,200. Lassen Volcanic National Park was closed and evacuated as the fire advanced towards its western section.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Butte and Tehama counties employing all available resources to protect lives and property.
The smoke from the wildfire has led to air quality alerts across the Pacific Northwest affecting millions of residents in California, Oregon and beyond.
Authorities warn of the health risks associated with exposure to smoke and advise residents to stay indoors where possible.
Ronnie Dean Stout, a 42-year-old man from Chico was arrested on suspicion of starting the fire by rolling a burning car into a gully. He is being held without bail with formal charges pending investigation.
Authorities suggest a link between Stout’s criminal history including a robbery conviction and the fire. An unidentified woman at Stout’s listed address claimed, “They’re saying he did it intentionally, but he didn’t. The car caught on fire.”
Officials admit they still don’t have enough resources to combat the fire’s scale effectively. Challenging weather conditions including strong winds and low humidity have hindered firefighting efforts.
A brief respite came as temperatures dropped by about 15°F and wind speeds decreased slightly easing firefighting efforts.
The steep terrain makes it difficult for ground crews to access and suppress the fire effectively.
The fire has generated rare and dangerous phenomena like fire whirls and firenadoes, swirling vortexes of flames and ash created by high heat and winds.
Local and state fire departments have rallied together with additional crews sent from across California to bolster firefighting efforts. The National Weather Service issued Red Flag Warnings.
The Park Fire is one of many wildfires currently ravaging the western US and Canada with over 102 large fires monitored in the US alone by the National Interagency Fire Center.
In Oregon, blazes like the Durkee Fire and Falls Fire have also caused destruction affecting thousands of acres.
The Park Fire has become the 20th largest in California’s history outpacing other major fires by sheer speed and size.
Although it is the largest active wildfire in the country this year, it follows other catastrophic fires that have marked California’s history including the 2018 Camp Fire.
The town of Paradise, which was nearly destroyed in the 2018 Camp Fire and it is once again under threat with evacuation warnings issued for its residents.
Residents like Susan Singleton and her husband have lost their homes. They evacuated with their seven dogs and have been living out of their SUV near a Red Cross shelter, which does not allow pets inside.
The Borel Fire has burned over 31,000 acres and continues to spread with zero containment reported. Evacuations are underway and the community of Havilah has been affected.
The smoke from California’s fires has led to air quality alerts in the Las Vegas Valley. Residents have been advised to prepare for evacuation if necessary.
More than 110 active fires are burning across the United States impacting areas like Eastern Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
Ronnie Dean Stout II, 42, of Chico was arrested on charges of felony arson for allegedly starting the Park Fire. He reportedly pushed a burning car into a gully.
The federal government spent over $3.1 billion on firefighting last year and this year’s fires are likely to impose even higher costs.
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