Massive Park Fire Engulfs Northern California Wilderness

A wildfire known as the Park Fire has expanded to nearly 600 square miles in Northern California, north of Sacramento. The blaze, now one of the largest in state history, has triggered evacuations and destroyed or damaged over 192 structures. Firefighters are battling extreme temperatures and difficult terrain.

The largest wildfire currently blazing across the United States, the Park Fire, has expanded to nearly 600 square miles as of Tuesday morning, making it larger than Los Angeles, fire officials in California reported. Thousands of firefighters are relentlessly battling the conflagration in a wilderness area north of Sacramento.

More than 5,000 firefighters from across the state and the country are working tirelessly to contain the Park Fire, which is raging in California's Central Valley about 90 miles (145 km) north of the capital. The fire has consumed 383,600 acres (155,237 hectares), marking it as the fifth largest wildfire in Californian history, according to officials.

The fast-moving Park Fire has outstripped the 2020 Creek Fire in Fresno County but remains smaller than the 2020 August Complex fire, which razed over 1 million acres. The fire, fueled by dry grass, brush, and timber, has prompted the evacuation of more than 4,000 residents and has destroyed or damaged over 192 structures. Cal Fire's Capt. Dan Collins described the fire's intensity and the challenges faced by firefighters.

Weather conditions continue to exacerbate the situation. Meteorologist Ashton Robinson Cook warned that temperatures will reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8°C) by Wednesday, with relative humidity dropping to as low as 7%. The fire, which was only 14% contained on Tuesday, has led to the grounding of 41 helicopters due to dense smoke.

Meanwhile, Ronnie Dean Stout II, charged with starting the Park Fire by allegedly pushing a flaming car down a gully, faces arson charges and awaits additional charges. Stout denied any wrongdoing during his arraignment and was denied bail.

(With inputs from agencies.)