California Wildfire Explodes, Becomes Largest in US
By Joseph Ax (Reuters) - A catastrophic wildfire in northern California has surged dramatically, becoming the largest active blaze in the United States. The Park Fire, which has now consumed over 350,000 acres (141,640 hectares), is wreaking havoc approximately 90 miles (144 km) north of Sacramento. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) reported that the fire more than doubled in size within just 24 hours, prompting urgent action from thousands of firefighters on the ground.
As of Saturday evening, the fire was only 10% contained, although cooler temperatures and increased humidity in the region are anticipated to aid firefighting efforts. The blaze has already destroyed 134 structures, leading to widespread evacuation orders and warnings across multiple counties. Notably, the town of Paradise, which suffered devastating losses during the 2018 Camp Fire—the deadliest in California's history—has been placed under a warning.
In response to the escalating crisis, U.S. President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation and has instructed his administration to provide all necessary support to combat the fire. The federal government is mobilizing resources to assist local firefighting efforts.
Authorities have made an arrest in connection with the fire, apprehending a man suspected of igniting the blaze by pushing a flaming vehicle into a gully on Wednesday afternoon. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by firefighters as they battle not only the flames but also the human factors contributing to these disasters.
The Park Fire is one of many active wildfires across the country, with more than 2 million acres burned nationwide, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. In Oregon, several significant fires are also raging, including the Durkee Fire, which has scorched over 288,000 acres in the eastern part of the state. Tragically, a firefighter lost their life when a single-engine tanker crashed near the Falls Fire in southeastern Oregon, underscoring the dangers faced by those on the front lines.
As the situation continues to evolve, the focus remains on containment and protecting communities at risk. Firefighters are working tirelessly, and the support from federal and state agencies is crucial in the fight against these devastating wildfires.