California's Park Fire: Thousands evacuated as man accused of starting blaze charged with arson

California Park Fire

Ronnie Dean Stout II accused of starting the California's Park Fire was charged with arson on Monday. According to a court document –similar to previous statements by authorities – a witness alleged that Stout II was seen pushing a burning car down a 60-foot embankment. Stout, however has denied the claims and stated he did not push the car.

California's Park fire has become the sixth largest wildfire in California’s history as it continues to rage in the Western United States and Canada. Thousands have been forced to evacuate due of the fires.

DEVASTATION DUE TO BLAZE

The massive blaze has torched more than 370,000 acres, or 578 square miles, according to Cal Fire. “That occurred in only six days. This region, both Butte and Tehama, over the course of time in California, has had four of the largest 10 fires known in history,” Cal Fire Incident Commander Billy See told a news conference Monday.

As of Monday evening, authorities reported that the wildfire was 12% contained, having destroyed 111 structures and damaged six others across two counties. Cal Fire officials stated that both aerial and ground crews had made significant progress in controlling the flames, expressing satisfaction with the efforts. The blaze initially broke out last Wednesday.

Take a look at our fire activity update for July 29, 2024! For more information on active statewide incidents, visit https://t.co/CfcEwIPpfd pic.twitter.com/cbAc2Y8AX0

— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) July 29, 2024

Fire Captain Robert Foxworthy guides us through the challenges firefighters are facing on the #ParkFire. From dense fuels and rugged terrain to unpredictable weather, our dedicated crews, dozers, and aircraft are working around the clock on building containment. If you receive an… pic.twitter.com/rRONl6MQdQ

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— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) July 28, 2024

MORE THAN 90 ACTIVE WILDFIRES IN U.S

Firefighters are dealing with 94 large active wildfires in the United States as of Monday – most of which were in the West, including 33 in Oregon and 12 in California, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Together, the active fires covered more than 2 million acres.

As the blazes continue, gusty winds could bring more fire concerns and the heat is expected to build across the West throughout this week, becoming more substantial by Friday and lingering into next week. Temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above normal are expected across parts of the Pacific Northwest and the Northern Rockies, and daily high temperature records could be tied or broken, especially across the Pacific Northwest, over the weekend.

These fires have generated smoke that has drifted hundreds of miles and prompted air quality alerts across parts of Colorado, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. More alerts could be issued Tuesday.

(With agency inputs)