Fire crews in Forest Ranch, California, are working hard to maintain progress against the state’s largest blaze as temperatures are expected to rise later this week.
The Park Fire in Butte County has reached 14% containment, allowing some communities to lift evacuation orders. However, the fire has spread to neighboring counties, burning an area larger than Los Angeles and posing a threat to additional counties.
Mark Brunton, from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, highlighted the challenges of battling the fire in rugged terrain with dense vegetation.
Cooler weather has aided in controlling the fire’s spread near Forest Ranch, where residents like Christopher and Anita Angeloni have been on edge after multiple evacuations in the past.
The Park Fire, now the fifth largest in California’s history, is one of over 100 active wildfires in the U.S. It has burned nearly 600 square miles, destroying structures and prompting evacuations.
The fire started after a man allegedly pushed a burning car down a ravine. The suspect, Ronnie Dean Stout II, has been charged with arson.
Despite the challenges, some residents like Ron Ward in Cohasset have defied evacuation orders to protect their properties. Ward’s 100-year-old ranch was saved from the flames, showcasing the resilience of the community.
Evacuation orders remain in place for 25 wildfires across the country, with more than 27,000 firefighters deployed to combat the blazes.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is set to visit affected areas, acknowledging the devastation caused by wildfires in iconic locations.
The firefighting efforts have been bolstered by assistance from other states, including Texas sending fire engines to help with the Park Fire.
As California faces the ongoing threat of wildfires, residents like Ward remain committed to preserving their heritage and land despite the challenges.
By Ty Oneil and Olga R. Rodriguez
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