The largest wildfire currently burning in California, called the Park Fire, has grown to over 350,000 acres. It was started by a man who pushed a flaming vehicle into dried brush at a park in Chico. Firefighters were able to contain 10% of the blaze after three days with no containment. The fire has destroyed 134 structures and has prompted evacuations in Butte and Tehama counties. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for the affected areas to provide aid for fire victims. Additionally, FEMA granted a grant to assist with the Borel Fire in Kern County. Across California, wildfires have burned 626,600 acres, with over 100 large active wildfires nationwide. Climate change may be contributing to longer fire seasons and more intense blazes. Despite cooler temperatures aiding firefighters, there is concern that heat could return before the weekend. Fire weather watches and warnings were in effect for various states in the West. Overall, efforts are being made to contain and extinguish the wildfires with the help of favorable weather conditions.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
