California Park Fire now fifth-biggest in the state: What are the largest fires in California history?
The Park Fire in California is now the fifth-largest in the history of the state, having razed more than 380,000 acres. What are the state’s largest fires?
The Park Fire continues to wreak havoc across the state of California, having consumed more than 386,700 acres across Butte, Plumas, Shasta and Tehama counties.
Authorities have charged a man named Ronnie Dean Stout II with arson on suspicion of starting the Park Fire last week. Witnesses say Stout pushed a burning car into a gully at a park in Chico, California. The accused claims he did not push the vehicle. He was denied bail and his arraignment will continue on Thursday, Aug. 1.
With hundreds of thousands of acres burned, the Park Fire has become the fifth-largest fire in the state’s history, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) reported.
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What are the largest wildfires in California history?
According to data shared by CAL FIRE, the largest wildfire to hit California was the August Complex fire in 2020, which consumed more than one million acres.
The second largest wildfire is the Dixie fire, with more than 960,000 acres burned, followed by the Mendocino Complex, SCU Lightening Complex and Park Fires. Here is a list of the 10 largest fires in California history:
- August Complex: 1,032,648 acres
- Dixie: 963,309 acres
- Mendocino Complex: 459,123 acres
- SCU Lightning Complex: 396,625 acres
- Park Fire: 383,619 acres
- Creek: 379,895 acres
- LNU Lightning Complex: 363,220 acres
- North Complex: 318,935 acres
- Thomas: 281,893 acres
- Cedar: 273,249 acres
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What to do in case of a fire
It’s important to sign up for emergency alerts, which provide timely information and instructions during wildfires. To protect your home, remove items that could fuel a wildfire, and keep vegetation around your home to a minimum. It is also advisable to store combustible items away from your home.
If you are ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. Also have an emergency kit ready to go in case you are ordered to leave. Be sure to include face masks that can protect you from smoke and consider the needs of each individual in your household.
If you evacuate, it's important to leave the lights on so your home can be seen through the thick smoke. Turn off the gas and leave doors and windows unlocked so firefighters can gain entry more easily.
For more information and tips on wildfire preparedness, visit the CAL FIRE website.