Northern California Wildfire Expands, Now 4th-Largest in State History

The Park fire in Northern California has grown to more than 624 square miles, becoming the fourth-largest wildfire in state history, and has destroyed 542 homes and other structures.

Nearly 6,400 firefighters were battling the massive fire Friday, Aug. 2, reaching 24 percent containment by the afternoon.

The gains could be short-lived as thunderstorms moved into the region. Fire and weather officials warned the erratic winds and lightning forecast for the area over the weekend could impact the fire.

“We do have some thunderstorms predicted for this evening and for tomorrow,” said Brian Newman of Cal Fire at a public afternoon briefing. “We don’t anticipate it coming over the fire directly. Generally, we’re seeing a few sprinkles here right now but nothing causing the fire to be extinguished.”

Meanwhile, crews are preparing for increased heat next week, he said.

Temperatures for the area were expected to range from 98 to 103 Friday. That is expected to change next week as a warmer weather pattern arrives, according to the National Weather Service.

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A heat wave arriving across the state during the weekend and into next week could bring low humidity, along with higher fire danger.

Thunderstorms were also expected in Southern California and into Northern California, affecting the massive blaze.

“There are showers and thunderstorms moving in,” National Weather Service meteorologist Jerald Meadows told The Epoch Times. “But as with any thunderstorms, it can produce very erratic winds, which can be very dangerous, especially on a fire line.”

The Park fire could see higher humidity levels arrive by Saturday from Southern California to improve conditions, Meadows added.

Nearly 7,700 residents in Butte, Tehama, and Shasta counties in Northern California were still under evacuation orders or warnings on Friday, some leaving pets and farm animals behind as they fled the flames this week.

Firefighters from as far as Texas are helping the state manage the fire, along with 124 hand crews, 542 fire engines, 190 bulldozers, 148 water tenders, and 41 helicopters dropping water on hot spots, according to Cal Fire’s Dusty Martin.

A local Baptist church survived the flames in Forest Ranch, located about 15 miles northeast of Chico, where the Park fire started July 24.

“As neighbors return home to face the challenges ahead, Forest Ranch Baptist Church is welcoming them with hugs, snacks, and a listening ear,” Cal Fire Butte County wrote in a Facebook post Friday. “This is a great reminder that for many, the tough road ahead is just beginning. Little things make a big difference.”

Cal Fire provided the church with surplus firefighter provisions that have about 5,000 calories in each bag, according to the church. About 40 bags were available for pickup at the church Friday.

Church members also invited the public for dinner.

Church families’ homes have not been destroyed by the fire, according to the group. Some families lost outbuildings, but they were grateful no more was burned, the church said Monday.

“The church building is still standing,” the church said. “We are blessed to be able to bless our community.”

Law enforcement has made a number of arrests during the incident. Shasta County Undersheriff Gene Randall reported 14 arrests were made for a variety of crimes in the fire zone.

He told the 670 people evacuated in Shasta County that the department would continue looking out for their properties.

“Rest assured, our security teams will continue to patrol those areas until you can return to your homes,” Randall said to the public during a press conference Friday.

In Tehama County, where most of the fire continues to burn, Sheriff Dave Kain said a burglar stole $1,200 worth of firefighting equipment from a fire contractor’s vehicle at the county fairgrounds. A suspect had been identified and the property was recovered.

Kain urged the suspect, who had about 100 prior contacts by law enforcement, to turn himself in.