In California, the ongoing megafire becomes one of the largest ever recorded in the American state

It has forced more than 4,000 people to evacuate. An out-of-control wildfire in northern California has become, in three days, one of the largest ever recorded in this western US state. The “Park Fire” – the most intense wildfire to hit California this summer – had devoured more than 350,000 hectares by Saturday evening, July 27, making it the seventh largest fire in the history of this state, the state agency Cal Fire said.

The fire broke out in a rural and mountainous area near the small town of Chico, about 145 kilometers north of Sacramento, the capital of the American state. For now, it is only 10% controlled, despite the efforts of the engaged firefighters, more than a dozen helicopters and several planes, according to Cal Fire.

“The Park Fire continued to burn very actively due to the steep terrain and winds (…) which are causing a strong progression”the agency reported. Cal Fire said, however, that cooler, wetter weather is expected in the area.

Police arrested a 42-year-old man suspected of starting the fire by pushing a burning car into a ravine. This huge forest fire brings back painful memories for residents of the town of Paradise, located about fifteen kilometers from Chico, and where 85 people died in 2018 in the deadliest fire in California history.