CALIFORNIA,28th July, 2024 (WAM) – The fast-moving wildfire in northern California has affected a larger size of the area—making it the eighth largest Park Fire of the state.
Additionally, it has forced around 4,000 citizens to move as firefighters are dealing with gusty winds and seriously dry conditions, authorities said Friday.
Fuelled by a crushing heatwave, the so-called Park Fire — the most intense wildfire to hit the state this summer — has rapidly devoured nearly 240,000 acres as of Friday night and is continuing to gain strength, AFP reported.
"This fire has been rapidly expanding 4,000 to 5,000 acres an hour," incident commander Billy See said at a press conference Friday evening.
Despite 2,400 firefighters trying to deal with the fire, 0% fire is controlled, state agency Cal Fire reported on Friday.
A total of 4,000 people have evacuated the towns of Cohasset and Forest Ranch, plus an additional 400 from the small city of Chico. Additionally, 134 structures have been destroyed so far, authorities said.
The fire started Wednesday near Chico, in Butte County, and within hours had devastated a wide area there and in neighbouring Tehama County.
It has already become the 20th largest fire in California history by land area in just two days.
Fire departments from across the state have sent crews to lend a hand.
The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for the region through Friday night, predicting "critical" fire weather conditions.