California’s “Park Fire”, still burning, has become the fifth largest wildfire in the state’s history in terms of area, estimated to challenge even larger wildfires in history.
As of July 31st, the Park Fire has scorched nearly 390,000 acres, approaching the fourth largest wildfire in California history – the 2020 SCU Lightning Complex, which burned 397,000 acres. The largest wildfire in California history was the 2020 “August Complex”, which burned over a million acres across six counties in Northern California in 86 days, caused by lightning.
Authorities have deployed 5,849 firefighters, 521 fire trucks, 41 helicopters, 180 bulldozers, and 115 water trucks to control the blaze. As of the 31st, the Park Fire was only 18% contained.
In Tehama and Butte counties, the areas hardest hit by the wildfires, as of the 31st, 361 structures have been destroyed and 36 have been damaged. Since fire incidents have been rare in these counties and neighboring areas for decades, the fires may continue burning for a long time.
California firefighting officials state that the dry grasslands, trees, and steep terrain have made firefighting efforts difficult, leading to the ongoing spread of the Park Fire in Northern California. The fire broke out on July 24th in Chico, north of Sacramento, the state capital. Prior to this, California experienced record-high temperatures, causing the lush vegetation that grew during the rainy season to dry out.
According to the Epoch Times, Brian Newman, Assistant Chief of Cal Fire, stated that the landscape composed of trees, shrubs, and oak forests “accumulates a lot of heat,” presenting a challenge to firefighters. He mentioned that the rugged terrain is difficult to access, and at the same time, “fuel is basically available around the clock.”
Officials predict that temperatures will increase daily over the next week, further worsening the fires.
The fire is believed to have been caused by arson, with suspect Ronnie Dean Stout charged with arson on July 29th for pushing a burning vehicle into a ditch known as “Alligator Hole”.
While some evacuated residents may be able to return home in the coming days, officials continue to urge residents in the vicinity of the fires to remain highly vigilant and be prepared for evacuation at any time. So far, there have been no reports of casualties.