The largest wildfire currently burning in California, the Park Fire, has grown to more than 350,000 acres and destroyed 134 structures. The fire was allegedly started by a man in Chico who pushed a flaming vehicle into dried brush, and quickly spread due to hot temperatures, dry conditions, and gusty winds. Despite the challenges, firefighters have managed to contain 10% of the blaze after three days of no progress.
Evacuation orders and closures have been put in place in Butte and Tehama counties, as well as in parts of the Lassen National Forest. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in several counties affected by wildfires, including Butte and Tehama.
Nationwide, there are 102 large active wildfires, with over 2 million acres burned in the West alone. Climate change may be contributing to longer fire seasons, more intense blazes, and extreme weather conditions.A cool-down in temperatures is expected to aid firefighters in battling the Park Fire near the city of Paradise, with more favorable weather conditions predicted through the week.
Although progress has been made in containing the Park Fire, the battle is far from over as firefighters continue to work to control and extinguish the massive blaze.
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