By: Jerry Zhang
An enormous wildfire, known as the Park Fire, has ravaged 164,000 acres in Northern California, resulting in at least two injuries and the evacuation of thousands. This marks the state’s largest fire so far this year. The blaze is believed to have started on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 when a burning car was pushed off an embankment, rolling 60 feet, before landing in a gully.
According to Michael Ramsey, Butte County’s District Attorney, a witness said that he saw a man “get into the vehicle, do something in the vehicle, get out of the vehicle, and then push the flaming vehicle down in the embankment.” The man was then seen fleeing the scene and trying to blend in with the crowd.
The man was identified as 42-year-old Chico resident Ronnie Dean Stout, who is currently being held in a local jail without bail on suspicion of intentional arson. He will be arraigned on Monday, July 29, with specific charges depending on whether someone is injured or killed by the fire. Mr. Stout has several previous convictions, including crimes that led to his registration as a sex offender, a robbery that resulted in a 20-year jail sentence, and driving under the influence.
As of Friday, July 26, only 3% of the 164,000-acre Park Fire has been contained by firefighters. Hundreds of firefighters are battling the blaze, with help coming from across the state. Even aircraft and bulldozers have been deployed to aid in containing the fire. However, the conditions remain ideal for the fire’s spread: gusty winds and low humidity.
As of Monday, July 29, the Park Fire has consumed over 284,000 acres, rapidly expanding at a rate of 14,000 acres per day. However, the firefighters’ efforts have paid off, with over 20% of the fire now contained and successfully prevented from spreading further.
As the fire spreads across Northern California, firefighters are doing all they can to prevent it from reaching more people, helping to evacuate those affected and prevent further injury or loss of life. There is hope that the Park Fire will be contained shortly.
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