Park Fire: Northern California fire reaches 300,000+ acres

(FOX40.COM) — The Park Fire, burning in Butte and Tehama counties, is drawing thousands of personnel and resources to protect nearby communities.

The Park Fire began around 3 p.m. on July 24 in Upper Bidwell Park east of Chico by a man who pushed a burning car down an embankment into the park , according to CAL FIRE and the Butte County District Attorney’s Office.

Initially reported as a 500-acre fire on July 24, the Park Fire expanded consistently, and as of 2:30 p.m. on July 27, stood at 348,370 acres, making it the seventh-largest wildfire in California’s history.

Over 50 evacuation orders are in place throughout Butte, Tehama, and Plumas counties and various road closures remain in effect.

Wildfire Information
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An evacuation center has been set up in Chico at Neighborhood Church, 2801 Notre Dame Blvd. Those with animals can also find shelter at either 2279 Del Oro in Oroville (small animals), or 1985 Clark Road in Oroville (large animals).

Anyone who needs assistance with animal evacuations or animals sheltered in place is encouraged to call the North Valley Animal Disaster Group hotline at 530-895-0000.

For up-to-date evacuation details, road closures, and fire information visit the Park Fire incident page .

Butte County residents can dial 2-1-1 for information about the Park Fire, while people outside of Butte County can dial 1-866-916-3566 for information.

The Park Fire is now the largest California wildfire since the 2021 fire season and the first to reach 100,000+ acres since 2021.

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