The #ParkFire in Northern California grew rapidly to more than 307,000 acres Saturday morning,
fueled by winds and steep terrain, officials said,

making what was already California’s largest wildfire this year among the largest in state history.

The fire, 🔥 which officials suspect was the result of arson, 🔥started near #Chico and then rapidly exploded,
stoked by extreme heat and dense, dry brush.

So far it has continued to grow unabated, burning at a rate of
💥4,000 to 5,000 acres per hour💥 and scorching rugged, difficult terrain filled with grass, brush, timber and dead vegetation, officials said Friday.

The fire was🌟 0 percent contained, 🌟according to Cal Fire,

and prompted evacuation orders in Butte, Shasta and Tehama counties as it moved rapidly on its northern and eastern flanks.

The blaze has been progressing north
toward the city of #Redding,
crossing Highway 36 and threatening small towns such as #Shingletown and #Manton, according to fire mapping and experts.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Friday declared a state of emergency in Butte and Tehama counties in response to the fire,
saying in a statement that
“we are using every available tool to protect lives and property as our fire and emergency response teams work around the clock to combat these challenging fires.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2024/07/27/park-fire-chico-california/