The Park Fire in Butte County, California has grown to over 350,000 acres with 10% containment as of Saturday evening. Fire crews are working hard to battle the blaze, with cooler temperatures and higher humidity providing some relief. The fire, which began when a man pushed a burning car into a gully in Chico, is moving quickly north and east, prompting comparisons to the devastating Camp Fire of 2018.
The Park Fire is currently the largest fire in California this year, leading Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency in Plumas, Butte, and Tehama counties. Evacuation orders and warnings are in place for residents in Butte, Tehama, and Shasta counties, with shelters set up for both small and large animals. Cal Fire has activated an information hotline for residents to access important updates and resources.
One resident, Carli Parker, shared her experience of evacuating her Forest Ranch residence with her family as the fire approached. The man believed to be responsible for starting the fire, Ronnie Dean Stout, has been arrested and is awaiting arraignment. The local community has expressed shock and anger at the deliberate setting of fires in an area still scarred by past devastation.
As the firefight continues, officials urge residents in wildfire-prone areas to create defensible spaces around their homes and assemble emergency kits with essential supplies. Staying informed and prepared is key to staying safe during wildfire season. Evacuation orders and warning maps for affected counties, as well as resources for signing up for emergency alerts, can be accessed online.
The situation remains fluid, as fire crews work tirelessly to contain the Park Fire and protect lives and property. Residents are encouraged to stay connected with local news sources and emergency services for the latest updates and safety precautions. Our thoughts are with those affected by the ongoing fires, and we stand in solidarity with the brave firefighters and first responders working to keep communities safe.
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