Park Fire in Northern California becomes one of the largest in state history
(FOX40.COM) — The Park Fire in Northern California is breaking state records for largest fires as it continues to burn through hundreds of thousands of acres in Butte and Tehama counties.
• Video Above: Park Fire destroys over 100 structures
The Park Fire began around 3 p.m. on Wednesday in Butte County by a man who is accused of pushing a burning car down an embankment. From there, the flames spread to Tehama County.
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As of 5:15 p.m. on Saturday, Cal Fire reported that the Park Fire is at number 7 on the list of “Top 10 Largest Wildfires in California.” It reached 350,012 acres burned with no containment.
“Park Fire continues to show extreme fire behavior, destroying buildings and prompting evacuation orders for thousands of people,” Cal Fire said on social media. “Firefighting personnel continue to face challenging conditions as they work tirelessly to contain the ongoing blaze. Be prepared, follow all evacuation warnings and orders, and learn more about fire prevention and preparedness.”
Several areas in Butte and Tehama counties are under evacuation orders and warnings. For more information visit fire.ca.gov or the FOX40.com live updates on the Park Fire.
Largest wildfires in California history
10. Cedar Fire (273, 246 acres)
9. Thomas Fire (281,893 acres)
8. North Complex Fire (318,935 acres)
7. Park Fire (350,012+ acres)
6. LNU Lighting Complex Fire (363, 220 acres)
5. Creek Fire (379,895)
4. SCU Lightning Complex (396,625)
3. Mendocino Complex (459,123)
2. Dixie (963,309 acres)
1. August Complex Fire (1,032,648 acres)
On top of experiencing one of the largest fires in the state’s history, California is also seeing an unprecedented number of total acres burned in the 2024 fire season.
“Numbers this year to date – we have burned 467,000 acres and counting,” said FOX40 chief meteorologist Adam Epstein on Friday. “In the past 24 hours, 130,000 acres have burned. That’s more alone than the five-year average of the entire fire season to date. This fire season is exceptional, and the sad part about it is, we’re just at the beginning of it.”
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