The Park Fire in Northern California has exploded into the state’s largest wildfire of 2024, burning over 178,000 acres and forcing thousands to evacuate.
The blaze, which started on Wednesday afternoon in Bidwell Park near Chico, has grown at an alarming rate, more than tripling in size within its first 48 hours.
As of Friday morning, the fire had destroyed at least 134 structures and threatened 4,200 others. Approximately 4,000 people have been forced to flee their homes as the inferno continues to spread across Butte and Tehama counties.
Firefighters are battling challenging conditions, with hot, dry weather and wind gusts up to 30 mph hampering containment efforts.
The rapid growth of the Park Fire is particularly concerning given that the past two fire seasons in California were less active than average.
Despite this, the current blaze has already burned nearly half the acreage of the total area affected in each of the past two years combined.
In a shocking development, authorities have arrested a 42-year-old man from Chico on suspicion of arson. The suspect, identified as Ronnie Dean Stout, allegedly pushed a burning car down an embankment in Bidwell Park, igniting the massive wildfire. Stout was taken into custody early Thursday morning and is being held without bail pending a Monday arraignment.
The Park Fire has become California’s largest wildfire since the Caldor Fire of 2021. Fire officials expect the blaze to continue growing amid unfavorable weather conditions. Firefighters are working tirelessly to increase containment, which stood at just 3% as of Friday morning.
As the fire rages on, authorities are urging residents in affected areas to stay alert and follow evacuation orders. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing wildfire threat in California and the devastating consequences that can result from human actions.
State and federal resources have been mobilized to combat the Park Fire, with air tankers and helicopters supporting ground crews in their efforts to protect communities and critical infrastructure.