"California Wildfire Explodes, Becomes Largest In US"

"Thousands of firefighters were battling a rapidly growing wildfire in northern California on Saturday after the blaze more than doubled in size in a 24-hour span.

The Park Fire had burned more than 350,000 acres (141,640 hectares) about 90 miles (144 km) north of the state capital city of Sacramento as of Saturday evening, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire.

Cooler temperatures and more humid air were expected in the region, potentially helping efforts to slow the spread of the fire, which was 10% contained as of Saturday evening. The fire has destroyed 134 structures, authorities said.

Evacuation orders and warnings were issued for multiple communities in several counties, including a warning for Paradise, the town that was devastated by the 2018 Camp Fire, the deadliest in the state's history."

Joseph Ax reports for Reuters July 29, 2024.

SEE ALSO:

"Track Wildfires in the U.S." (New York Times)

"Wildfire Watch" (CBS News)

"When All Of The West Is On Fire At Once, This Is Who Deals With It" (Washington Post)

Source: Reuters, 07/29/2024