Park Fire grows into California’s fifth-largest fire on record, leaves a trail of destruction
Image credit: CAL FIRE
The Park Fire in California grew to the state’s 5th largest wildfire on record on July 30, 2024, and wreaked havoc across four counties, destroying 277 structures and displacing over 4 000 residents. With only 18% containment, the blaze continues to threaten thousands of homes, prompting a state of emergency declaration.
The Park Fire started on July 24 and grew into the fifth largest in California’s history by July 30, covering 156 470 ha (386 764 acres), according to the latest reports.
The fire, believed to have been caused by arson, is affecting four counties: Butte, Plumas, Shasta, and Tehama. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for areas affected in Butte and Tehama counties.
Thus far, it destroyed 277 structures and damaged 29 others across Butte and Tehama counties and is 18% contained as of 21:08 LT on July 30. It is currently threatening 4 200 structures.
In Butte County, the fire consumed 21 450 ha (52 999 acres) of land, destroyed 214 residential and commercial structures, and damaged another 27.
In Tehama County, it consumed 135 116 ha (333 765 acres) of land, destroyed 63 structures, and damaged 2.
So far, the fire has caused the closure of 26 roads, and several evacuation orders and warnings have been issued across the four counties. Over 4 000 people have been evacuated.
A total of 5 779 personnel, 40 helicopters, 519 engines, 180 bulldozers, 115 water tenders, and 112 crews have been assigned, along with 77 others, to suppress the fire and conduct damage control.
Smoke was heavy on July 30 across the Tehama Zone, especially in the northeast portion, while smoke was significantly less over the southern part of the fire.
The weather is expected to become much warmer and drier later this week, with some winds and potential for thunderstorms. Caution is advised during this time.
References:
1 Park Fire updates – CAL FIRE – July 30, 2024
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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