The size of the forest fire in California has tripled
A forest fire in California has tripled in size. This makes the so-called Park Fire the largest forest fire in the state of the US this year. The fire was reportedly started by a man who had pushed a burning car into a ravine. By Friday, the fire had destroyed over 1,660 square miles (more than 4,300 square kilometers). The flames were spreading from the hills above the city of Chico in northern Central Valley.
Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea announced on Thursday evening (local time) that approximately 4,000 residents of Butte County and 400 residents of Chico had been called for evacuation. According to Fire Chief Garrett Sjolund, several buildings had been destroyed, and there were two reported cases of minor injuries.
In the northwestern US, record heat and extremely dry conditions prevail. Forest fires have already destroyed over 4,000 square miles (more than 10,000 square kilometers) in this summer. Forest fires have also occurred in the western part of Canada. The Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rocky Mountains has suffered the most damage. A fire drove away 25,000 people.
The largest forest fire in the US is currently burning in Oregon. The Durkee Fire has destroyed approximately 1,630 square miles (4,225 square kilometers). According to the InciWeb government website, it was only contained to 20% by Friday.
The man who initially sparked the forest fire in California from pushing a burning car into a ravine is now facing authorities for his actions. Despite efforts to control the Park Fire, which has grown to be the largest forest fire in California this year, it continues to devastate over 4,000 square miles in the northwestern part of the state.
