Park Fire Containment Reaches 12% Amidst Extensive Evacuations
Cal Fire officials announced on Monday, July 29, 2024, that the expansive Park Fire has now been contained by 12%, having burned a significant total of 368,256 acres. Following a severe increase in the blaze from late Friday into Saturday morning, largely fueled by steep terrain and high winds, mass evacuations remain in place throughout the Northstate counties.
Rapid Fire Growth, Numerous Evacuations
Originating from Upper Bidwell Park northeast of Chico, the fire swiftly spread on July 24, subsequently growing at a pace of four to five thousand acres every hour. Contributing to the rapid progression of the fire have been the triple-digit temperatures coupled with gusty winds encountered in the area.
In light of this expansive threat, thousands of residents have been impelled to evacuate their homes and seek refuge in safer zones. As it stands, a man has been taken into custody concerning the ignition of the fire, alleged to have intentionally instigated the blaze by pushing a flaming car into a gully at Alligator Hole, the area identified as the origin of the fire.
Damages and Resources
Preliminary aerial assessments indicate the involvement of over 130 structures thus far, though ground inspections from Cal Fire have confirmed 100 destroyed structures, with 5 damaged, and an imposing 4,200 still at risk. Fortunately, despite the extensive property damage, there are no reports of fatalities or injuries.
Given the expansive nature of this fire, resources from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and additional surrounding agencies are also being deployed for fire suppression, a strategy reinforced by a state of emergency declaration from Gov. Gavin Newsom for Butte and Tehama counties. Similarly, at the county level, emergency proclamations have been issued, releasing further assistance to affected citizens.
Focus on Saving Lives
“We’re not able to put every single resource we have on fighting fire, stopping the spread. We have to have firefighters protecting structures, making sure those structures don’t get burned down,” stated Rick Carhart, a Cal Fire Public Information Officer. “So that’s taking a fire engine off the fire line and putting it in a place we are saving lives, saving property—those are our two main priorities.”
Evacuation Measures in Place
Apart from advising residents about the current evacuation information, Cal Fire has also initiated informative hotlines for locals to attain more information about the upheaval caused by the Park Fire. Moreover, several evacuation shelters have been readied across the affected counties, along with facilities for animal shelters and large animal accommodations.
At this point, Butte County has lost nearly 52,859 acres to the Park Fire, while the larger slice from Tehama County is around 315,397 acres. Inhabitants are advised to stay updated through the evacuation zone maps provided by Butte and Tehama counties.
Community and Aid Initiatives
In an effort to aid those affected by the raging fires across the Northstate region, GoFundMe has established a central hub for donations aimed at victims of the fire. Simultaneously, for the safety of firefighters and the public, PG&E has de-energized power lines in and around the fire area, rendering around 2,084 customers in Cohasset, Forest Ranch, Butte Meadows, East Chico, Manton, Mineral, Paynes Creek, and Mill Creek without power.
Further operational updates in regard to the Park Fire can be accessed through Cal Fire’s latest bulletins, providing residents with all the necessary details and developments surrounding the fire.
