Massive fire in northern California forces thousands to evacuate

Crews in northern California are battling the largest wildfire of the year in the state, which has destroyed over 130 structures and forced thousands of evacuations. The Park Fire, which began Wednesday afternoon near Chico, north of Sacramento, rapidly expanded to cover more than 164,000 acres (663.9 sq km) by Friday morning, leaving significant destruction in its path.

As of Friday morning, the fire had destroyed 134 structures and threatened 4,200 more, with containment at only 3 percent, according to local officials and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). The blaze has been exacerbated by hot, dry weather, gusty winds, and low humidity, placing the area under a Red Flag Warning.

Authorities identified the cause of the fire as arson and arrested 42-year-old Chico resident Ronnie Dean Stout II on suspicion of intentionally starting it. The fire is believed to have started when a burning car was pushed into a gully, rolling nearly 20 meters down an embankment. The motive remains unclear.

The rapid spread of the Park Fire has led to widespread evacuations in Butte County and neighboring Tehama County. Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea reported that around 4,000 residents were ordered to evacuate, including 400 from Chico. By early Thursday, California Governor Gavin Newsom's office confirmed that 3,500 people had already been displaced from their homes.

At least two people have suffered minor injuries, though the full impact on the local population is still being assessed. Officials continue to urge residents to stay informed about their evacuation zones and be ready to leave immediately if necessary.

Cal Fire has mobilized significant resources to combat the Park Fire, with 1,633 personnel engaged in firefighting efforts, supported by 142 engines, 6 helicopters, and 54 bulldozers. The primary focus is on evacuations, protecting structures, and constructing containment lines to prevent the fire from spreading further.

The Park Fire's rapid expansion and the destruction it has caused underscore the severe challenges faced by firefighters and residents alike in northern California. As efforts continue to control the blaze, the community remains on high alert, with ongoing assessments and updates from local authorities.