More than 4,000 people have been evacuated from the towns of Cohasset and Forest Ranch, while an additional 400 residents were forced to leave the small city of Chico in Northern California due to the spreading wildfire.
A massive pyrocumulus cloud rises from the Park Fire near Chico, California, USA on July 26 – (Photo: AFP)
According to AFP, a large-scale wildfire rapidly spreading in Northern California has forced over 4,000 people to evacuate, as firefighters battle the blaze amidst dangerous drought conditions.
The fire, named “Park Fire”, has quickly consumed an area of nearly 97,000 acres as of the evening of July 26 (local time) and continues to spread during a heatwave.
“This fire has spread quickly at a rate of 4,000 to 5,000 acres (equivalent to 1,618 – 2,023 hectares) per hour,” said local incident commander Billy See during a press conference on the evening of July 26 (local time).
Currently, the fire remains uncontrolled despite the efforts of approximately 1,700 firefighters. Hundreds of additional resources are on their way to assist.
A total of 4,000 individuals have evacuated from the towns of Cohasset and Forest Ranch, with an additional 400 evacuating from the small city of Chico.
Authorities report that the fire has destroyed 134 structures to date.
According to AFP, the fire has generated a massive column of thick gray smoke, with dust clouds resembling those of a severe storm, now visible from neighboring states.
The fire has generated a massive column of thick gray smoke, with dust clouds resembling those of a severe storm, now visible from neighboring states. This photo was taken near Chico, California, USA on July 26 – (Photo: AFP).
Speaking to the press, Butte County Fire Chief Garrett Sjolund stated, “This fire is challenging our strategies. However, we are looking for opportunities to deploy our resources to control the fire.”
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a red flag warning for the affected area.
On July 25, police arrested a 42-year-old man on suspicion of starting the fire after he pushed a burning car into a ravine.
