Park Fire Becomes Fifth Largest in California History
California’s Park Fire has become the fifth-largest wildfire in the state’s history, burning more than 386,000 acres since it started on July 24. The fire, which has impacted Butte and Tehama counties, is currently 18% contained and has destroyed at least 192 structures and damaged 19 others.
About 4,400 people in Butte County are under evacuation orders. The fire has forced the closure and evacuation of Lassen Volcanic National Park as it approaches the park’s western edge.
Triple-digit temperatures and high wind gusts have fueled the explosive growth of the Park Fire. So far in 2024, 751,327 acres have burned in California, a significant increase from the 25,763 acres burned during the same period in 2023.
Butte County resident Rick Pero lost his home to the Park Fire, the second time he has faced such a tragedy after previously losing a property in the 2018 Camp Fire. Pero and his wife were away when they received the evacuation warning, and their house sitter managed to evacuate with one of their cats.
Another Fire Started by Arson
Ronnie Dean Stout II has been charged with arson on suspicion of starting the Park Fire. According to a felony complaint filed on Monday, a witness saw Stout pushing a burning car down a 60-foot embankment. Stout denies pushing the car. He was denied bail and his arraignment was continued to Thursday. More charges could be added, according to Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey.
According to Ramsey, Stout’s car got stuck in tall grass, and a fire started when he revved his engine to try to get out. Witnesses reported seeing him near the fire but not attempting to stop it. Stout allegedly pushed the burning car down an embankment, causing the fire to explode.
Stout was seen drinking earlier that day and driving recklessly before the fire started. He was found to have alcohol in his system when arrested almost 11 hours later, though investigators cannot prove he was intoxicated at the time of the fire.