Containment on California’s Park Fire reaches 34%

(CN) — A Cal Fire official noted Monday afternoon that a large plume of smoke extended into the sky from the Park Fire.

Steep terrain, making it difficult for firefighters to approach the blaze, dominates the northeastern part of the massive fire that began July 24. That, coupled with a significant increase in fire behavior Monday afternoon, helped cause the smoke plume, said Mark Brunton, Cal Fire operations section chief, at a Monday briefing.

“At this point, the fire is still within our control lines,” he said.

The Park Fire, which authorities say was arson, started near the city of Chico in Northern California. Last week it became the fourth largest fire in California’s recorded history. On Monday, it had reached 402,042 acres and was 34% contained.

Containment was at 24% Friday afternoon, and acreage at just under 400,000.

The three fires that have exceeded the Park Fire in acreage are the 2018 Mendocino Complex, at 459,123; the 2021 Dixie Fire, at 963,309; and the 2020 August Complex, at 1,032,648.

Suppression efforts in many parts of the blaze have been successful, and over the past week authorities have dropped several evacuation orders to warnings. Tehama County Sheriff Dave Kain pointed to the efforts made to return people to their homes, saying Monday that his office is preparing for recovery efforts.

Those efforts include a local assistance event in Red Bluff from Aug. 15 to 17. Displaced residents will have access to PG&E, the state Department of Motor Vehicles and the Franchise Tax Board, as well as community groups.

While firefighters mop up many parts of the fire, the northeastern portion — Mill Creek — has a miles-long gorge, Brunton said. Firefighters are planning a low-intensity burn in an effort to thwart the fire.

“It is a very complex operation, a complex plan,” Brunton said.

The fire’s spread Sunday night was only on the eastern side, with the Mill Creek area staying active throughout the night. Higher temperatures, drier conditions and wind speed led to the heightened fire activity.

Additionally, the low moisture level, terrain and the time it takes to drive to the area has led to increased activity.

Over 6,000 people are fighting the fire, hailing from states including Texas, North Dakota, Nevada and Utah, as well as National Guard members. Another 100 personnel are set to arrive Tuesday or Wednesday, Brunton said.

According to Monty Smith, a chief with Cal Fire, defensible space — clearing vegetation near structures and removing other fire fuels — has played a crucial role in wildfire safety.

“This incident has shown once again that we are a strong and resilient community,” Smith said.

The heat and humidity have played a large role in firefighting efforts.  

Weather conditions began to dry out late last week, bringing fears that the Park Fire would gain new strength. Instead, firefighters saw around 2,000 acres of growth and increased containment over the weekend.

Conditions aren’t expected to help their efforts until later this week.

Temperatures were expected to hit triple digits on Monday, with relative humidity hovering between the single digits and teens, said Sara Purdue, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

“That trend is sort of going to continue with higher temperatures, potentially reaching into the triple digits,” she added.

The pattern will start to shift slightly on Thursday, as a mass of cooler air begins pushing against the lingering hot air in the region.

Beginning Thursday, relative humidity should rise while high temperatures ease, Purdue said. However, there is no significant chance of rain in the forecast.

Air quality was moderate Monday along Highway 99, which roughly parallels the fire’s western border. Moderate conditions prevailed in the greater Sacramento area, turning to good air quality closer to Truckee and Lake Tahoe.

Ronnie Dean Stout II, 42, of Chico, is accused of arson in connection with starting the Park Fire. Authorities say he pushed a burning car into a gulley.

Stout, who remained held without bail Monday, is next scheduled for court on Aug. 22.

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