Thousands Evacuated as Wildfires Rage in Northern California
Over 4,000 people were evacuated from their homes in Northern California on Friday evening due to a massive wildfire, according to local authorities.
The “Park Fire,” the most intense wildfire in the state this summer, has been fueled by a heatwave and has consumed approximately 97,000 hectares by Friday evening.
In a press conference, California fire official Billy C stated that the fires were spreading rapidly, advancing at a rate of 1,600 to 2,000 hectares per hour.
He added, “We hope to see a significant improvement in weather conditions starting at the end of this week, with decreasing temperatures and increased relative humidity, which will allow us to more easily access the fire.”
Authorities reported that the fires forced 4,000 people to evacuate the villages of Cohasset and Forest Ranch after igniting on Wednesday in Chico, a small city in Butte County. The blaze has also destroyed 134 buildings.
On Thursday, police arrested a 42-year-old man on suspicion of starting the fire by throwing a burning car off a cliff.
