Firefighters battling the Park Fire in Northern California have contained 34% of the more than 400,000-acre blaze, but hot, dry weather is expected to bring tough conditions over the next few days.
As of Monday morning, the Park Fire had burned 402,042 square miles, or 628,000 square miles, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).
On July 24, Ronnie Dean Stout II, 42, of Chico, California, was reportedly seen pushing a burning car into a ditch near Alligator Hole in upper Bidwell Park and then down a 60-foot bank.
Witnesses said Stout was seen calmly leaving the area, blending in with other residents in the area and fleeing the rapidly spreading fire.
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Smoke rises above the roadway as the Park Fire erupts on Highway 36 near Paynes Creek in Tehama County, California, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
About 640 structures have been destroyed and another 52 damaged between Butte and Tehama counties since the fire began, according to Cal Fire.
The Park Fire in Northern California continues to burn more than a week after it began. (Cal Fire Butte County Facebook)
Fire officials said Monday morning that a large mass of dry air, accompanied by rising temperatures, was moving into the area, making it difficult for firefighters in the northeast corner of the fire to fight the blaze.
According to footage taken on August 4, 2024, the Park Fire in Northern California was fought not only from the ground but also from the air. (Cal Fire Butte County Facebook)
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During the fire briefing, firefighters were encouraged to remain focused, flexible and aggressive as they battle smoke and flames, closing gaps and strategically moving resources to adverse areas where fires are more likely to break out.
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Firefighters continued battling the Park Fire in Northern California this week. (Cal Fire Butte County Facebook)
According to the Cal Fire website, approximately 6,600 personnel are currently battling the blaze, including 44 helicopters, 536 fire engines, 196 bulldozers, 154 water tankers and 132 firefighters.
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On Saturday, the Park Fire made California history as the fourth largest fire on record.
Reuters contributed to this report.
