BUTTE COUNTY, Calif — Click here for the latest updates on the Park Fire in Butte and Tehama counties.
The Park Fire exploded overnight northeast of Chico, prompting evacuations in both Butte and Tehama counties Thursday.
Cal Fire said the fire is at 124,951 acres and 3% contained as of 7 p.m. The fire started just before 3 p.m. Wednesday near Upper Park Road in Upper Bidwell Park, east of Chico and is burning to the north of the park. Chico isn't currently being threatened by the fire.
The Park Fire is now the largest active fire burning in California, surpassing the Lake Fire in Santa Barbara County, which burned 38,664 acres.
Evacuation orders and warnings are in place in both Butte and Tehama counties. More than 4,000 people have been evacuated. Federal assistance, a Fire Management Assistance Grant, has been secured to fight the wildfire.
There's an evacuation center at Neighborhood Church located at 2801 Notre Dame Boulevard in Chico. Animal Shelters will begin accepting animals again at 8 a.m. Thursday. An evacuation shelter for small animals is at 2279 Del Oro Avenue in Oroville and for large animals is at Camelot Equestrian Park 1985 Clark Road in Oroville.
People in Butte County can sign up for emergency alerts HERE. People in Tehama County can sign up for emergency alerts HERE.
Cal Fire activated an information hotline. Local residents can dial 211 and people from outside of Butte County can dial 1-866-916-3566.
A man was arrested Thursday after he allegedly pushed a burning car down a gully causing the Park Fire in Butte County. District Attorney Mike Ramsey says the man was seen pushing a car on fire into a gully near the Alligator Hole in upper Bidwell Park around 3 p.m. Wednesday.
According to a Butte County Community Wildfire Protection Plan, significant fires impacting the area in the last 50 years include the 1999 Musty Fire, which burned 18,00 acres and the 199 Doe Mill Fire, which burned 11,000 acres. Cal Fire has a map of all California fire perimeters throughout the years which can be viewed HERE.
Stay Informed
Evacuations
Butte County Evacuations: An Evacuation Center has been established at Neighborhood Church located at 2801 Notre Dame Blvd in Chico. An evacuation shelter for small animals is at 2279 Del Oro Ave. in Oroville and for large animals is at Camelot Equestrian Park 1985 Clark Road in Oroville.
A map of evacuations in Butte County can be viewed below.
Tehama County Evacuations:
A map of evacuations in Butte County can be viewed below.
Fire Map
This map from the National Interagency Fire Center shows fire activity (this may take a few seconds to load):
WILDFIRE PREPS
If you live in a wildfire-prone zone, Cal Fire suggests creating a defensible space around your home. Defensible space is an area around a building in which vegetation and other debris are completely cleared. At least 100 feet is recommended.
The Department of Homeland Security suggests assembling an emergency kit that has important documents, N95 respirator masks, and supplies to grab with you if you’re forced to leave at a moment’s notice. The agency also suggests signing up for local warning system notifications and knowing your community’s evacuation plans best to prepare yourself and your family in cases of wildfires.
Some counties use Nixle alerts to update residents on severe weather, wildfires, and other news. To sign up, visit www.nixle.com or text your zip code to 888777 to start receiving alerts.
PG&E customers can also subscribe to alerts via text, email, or phone call. If you're a PG&E customer, visit the Profile & Alerts section of your account to register.
What questions do you have about the latest wildfires? If you're impacted by the wildfires, what would you like to know? Text the ABC10 team at (916) 321-3310.
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