The Park Fire, the largest wildfire in California so far this year, has been expanding as it devours timber in extremely hot and dry conditions. Since starting on July 24 near Chico in the Sacramento Valley, the fire has consumed over 660 square miles (1,709 square kilometers) of land and is currently 34% contained, according to Cal Fire.
Despite becoming California’s fourth-largest wildfire on record due to rapid growth initially, more favorable weather conditions had subdued the fire’s intensity last week. However, the blaze reignited this week as soaring temperatures and extremely low humidity levels contributed to its resurgence.
While a significant portion of the burned area is under control, firefighting officials are still grappling with spot fires that pose ongoing challenges. Jed Gaines, the operations deputy, highlighted that the fire’s northeast corner is the primary focus for firefighting efforts and emphasized the need for continued hard work to maintain the progress achieved.
Recent assessments revealed that 636 structures have been destroyed, with 49 sustaining damage from the Park Fire. A local resident was arrested on suspicion of deliberately starting the fire by pushing a burning car into a ravine in a wilderness park near Chico.
Approximately 100 miles (160 kilometers) south of the Park Fire, a new forest fire in El Dorado County is exhibiting extreme behavior, prompting the diversion of some aircraft from the Park Fire to assist in containment efforts. Known as the Crozier Fire and situated around 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of Placerville, it has burned over 1 square mile (2.6 square kilometers) of timber and chaparral and is currently only 5% contained.
