CHICO, Calif.—Firefighters battling California’s largest wildfire this year have managed to contain a third of the blaze with the help of cooler weather. However, fire officials warn that a return of triple-digit temperatures could fuel its growth once again.
The Park Fire, which ignited on July 24 in the Sierra Nevada foothills, has burned 627 square miles (1,623 square kilometers) and is currently 30 percent contained. The fire started when a man allegedly pushed a burning car into a gully in Chico before fleeing the scene.
The fire’s massive size, equivalent to an area larger than the city of Los Angeles, continues to burn through challenging terrain with dense vegetation. The rugged lava rock landscape near Lassen Volcanic National Park poses a significant obstacle for firefighters, as heavy machinery like bulldozers cannot navigate the terrain easily.
Despite these challenges, firefighters have made progress due to cooler temperatures and increased humidity. However, the fire’s proximity to the national park remains a concern, leading to its closure as a precautionary measure.
Evacuation orders are still in place for 2,700 people in Butte and Tehama Counties, where at least 572 structures have been destroyed and 52 others damaged by the fire.
In Northern California, the Park Fire is one of 85 large wildfires burning across the Western United States. In Colorado, firefighters are also making headway against multiple blazes near populated areas, with residents gradually being allowed to return home.
Unfortunately, the firefighting efforts have not been without tragedy. In Canada, a 24-year-old firefighter lost his life battling a blaze in Jasper National Park when a tree fell on him. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed the firefighter’s death and are investigating the incident.
