Park Fire Burns Over 357,000 Acres in Butte and Tehama, 13% Contained, Seventh-Largest in California History

Jul 27, 2024, 10:00 PM

The Park Fire, which originated from an arson incident involving a burning car pushed into a ravine near Chico, California, has rapidly become one of the largest wildfires in the state's history. As of Sunday morning, the fire has burned over 357,000 acres across Butte and Tehama counties, making it the seventh-largest wildfire in California's recorded history. The blaze has destroyed at least 134 structures and threatens thousands more, prompting evacuation orders for numerous residents. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for the affected counties. Over 4,000 firefighters are battling the fire, which remains only 13% contained. Cooler temperatures and higher humidity have slightly reduced fire activity, aiding firefighting efforts. The fire's rapid growth is attributed to bone-dry fuel and extreme weather conditions, with the fire spreading at an average pace of over 60 football fields per minute.