California's Central Valley Faces Historic Blaze: The Park Fire

More than 6,000 firefighters are battling the Park Fire in California's Central Valley, the fourth largest fire in the state's history. Starting from an alleged arson on July 24, the blaze has destroyed over 560 structures and scorched 400,000 acres. Minimal rainfall and high temperatures exacerbate containment efforts.

More than 6,000 firefighters in California's Central Valley are battling the Park Fire, the largest active blaze in the U.S., which has now entered the record books as the fourth-largest in the state's history.

On Saturday, there was hardly any relief from thunderstorms, which brought minimal rain and gusty winds, exacerbating the already challenging conditions of 100-degree heat and winds up to 25 mph. These conditions offer little respite for the firefighters trying to contain the Park Fire, which continues to scorch the wilderness terrain 100 miles north of Sacramento.

Christopher Young, a spokesman for Cal Fire, expressed concern over the dry conditions and lightning. The fire, allegedly started by an arsonist on July 24 near Chico by pushing a flaming car down a gully, has burned over 400,000 acres. The arrested suspect, a 42-year-old man, is charged with arson but has not yet entered a plea.

Since the blaze started 11 days ago, it has destroyed more than 560 homes and structures, feeding on dry timber and grass. Officials report the fire is 27% contained, but rough terrain makes it difficult to reach fire lines. Some firefighters are being flown in by helicopter with supplies airlifted as well. The intense start to the national wildfire season is straining resources, prompting international assistance from Australia and New Zealand to arrive in early August.

(With inputs from agencies.)