Firefighters reach 40% containment of California’s fourth-largest wildfire on record

California’s most substantial wildfire of the year, the Park Fire, has reached 40% containment after scorching over 670 square miles. Allegedly ignited by arson in a wilderness park near Chico, the fire rapidly spread northward due to hot and dry conditions, making it the state’s fourth-largest wildfire on record. Cal Fire reported minimal fire activity overnight, with firefighters focusing on containment efforts and preparing communities for repopulation.
The blaze mainly affected Butte and Tehama counties, destroying 641 structures and damaging 52. A suspect from Chico has been arrested in connection with the arson case after authorities witnessed a burning car being pushed into a gully. The fire perimeter has largely remained within Lassen National Forest, with weather conditions improving, including increased humidity that aids in firefighting efforts.
Over 5,400 firefighters are battling the flames, and other major wildfires across California are seeing progress in containment levels, except for the Boise Fire in Six Rivers National Forest, which erupted on August 9 and remains uncontained, covering over 11 square miles.