The Park Fire, ignited less than a week ago by a burning car pushed into a gully, has rapidly grown to become one of California’s largest wildfires on record. As of Sunday, the fire has expanded to more than 360,000 acres, making it the biggest wildfire since 2020 and the seventh-largest in the state’s history.
Current Status:
According to CalFire’s latest update, the Park Fire has burned 360,141 acres and is currently at 12% containment. To put its size in perspective, the fire covers approximately 563 square miles – nearly half the size of Rhode Island, almost 12 times bigger than San Francisco County, and slightly larger than the city of Los Angeles.
Historical Context:
The Park Fire now ranks as the seventh-largest fire in California history. It falls between the LNU Lightning Complex Fire of 2020, which burned 363,220 acres, and the North Complex Fire of the same year, which consumed 318,935 acres. The August Complex Fire of 2020 remains the largest wildfire in the state’s history, burning over 1 million acres.
Impact:
The fire has affected four counties: Butte, Plumas, Shasta, and Tehama. At least 100 structures have been destroyed, and more than 4,000 additional structures are under threat. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries or fatalities among civilians or firefighters.
Firefighting Efforts:
The fire has affected four counties: Butte, Plumas, Shasta, and Tehama. At least 100 structures have been destroyed, and more than 4,000 additional structures are under threat. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries or fatalities among civilians or firefighters.
Environmental and Cultural Impact:
The Park Fire has caused significant environmental damage, including the formation of fire tornadoes. It has also infiltrated Lassen Volcanic National Park, which is now closed. Park staff are working to save historic artifacts stored in the 1927 Loomis Museum, highlighting the fire’s cultural impact.
Personal Stories:
Local residents have shared harrowing experiences of the fire’s devastation. Christopher Apel and his brother-in-law Bruce Hey, who live in the Cohasset area, have seen their properties affected. Hey suffered burns while evacuating, and former CBS Los Angeles news anchor Julie Yarbough watched her home burn down through home security footage, describing the experience as surreal and numbing.
Conclusion:
Stay informed and stay safe.
The Park Fire’s rapid growth and widespread impact underscore the ongoing challenges of wildfire management in California. As we monitor the situation, we remain committed to supporting our clients and communities affected by this devastating event.