An ALERTCalifornia camera captured this image before becoming engulfed in flames by the Park Fire east of Chico in Upper Bidwell Park, Wednesday, July 24, 2024. (PG&E)
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Noon, Thursday, July 25, Update:
A 42-year-old Chico man was arrested Thursday morning by CalFire arson investigators on suspicion of starting the Park Fire, the Butte County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release.
The man’s identity will be released later Thursday, authorities said.
Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey said the man was arrested after he was seen pushing a burning car into a gully near the Alligator Hole in upper Bidwell Park shortly before 3 p.m. on Wednesday.
The car went down an embankment about 60 feet and burned completely, spreading the flames that caused the fire east of Chico. The man blended in with others fleeing the rapidly spreading blaze, Ramsey said.
CalFire arson investigators responded immediately, secured the scene, and began working to identify the suspect.
The man was eventually identified and an arrest warrant was issued Thursday morning. He was booked into the Butte County Jail, where he is being held without bail.
Original Story
A wildfire that broke out Wednesday afternoon east of Chico prompted widespread evacuation orders as it quickly spread to more than 10 square miles.
The blaze broke out in Bidwell Park and is being called the Park Fire. With triple-digit temperatures and strong winds expected Thursday, firefighters face challenging containment efforts.
The #ParkFire can be seen from GOES-West satellite imagery this morning. A Red Flag Warning is in effect this afternoon through Friday evening. Follow @ButteSheriff @CALFIRE_ButteCo @CALFIRETGU @TehamaSheriff for updates, and practice critical fire weather safety! #CAwx pic.twitter.com/oRaiFlMJI2
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) July 25, 2024
CalFire said Thursday morning that the fire was 3% contained.
“Fire personnel are currently focusing on evacuations and structure defense while concurrently building direct containment lines utilizing bulldozers, fire crews, and fire engines,” Cal Fire said. “More resources have been ordered and are inbound from various areas throughout Northern California.”
As of Thursday morning, 216 personnel were assigned to the fire. They were supported by five helicopters, 24 engines, eight bulldozers, six water tenders, and six crews.
“Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the state are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow,” the incident report stated.
The cause of the wildfire is being investigated, CalFire said.
Read more at CBS News.
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