Thousands evacuate as California’s fire becomes eighth largest in state’s history

The fast-moving wildfire in northern California has affected a larger size of the area—making it the eighth largest Park Fire of the state.

Additionally, it has forced around 4,000 citizens to move as firefighters are dealing with gusty winds and seriously dry conditions, authorities said Friday.

Fuelled by a crushing heatwave, the so-called Park Fire — the most intense wildfire to hit the state this summer — has rapidly devoured nearly 240,000 acres as of Friday night and is continuing to gain strength, AFP reported.

"This fire has been rapidly expanding 4,000 to 5,000 acres an hour," incident commander Billy See said at a press conference Friday evening.

Despite 2,400 firefighters trying to deal with the fire, 0% fire is controlled, state agency Cal Fire reported on Friday.

A total of 4,000 people have evacuated the towns of Cohasset and Forest Ranch, plus an additional 400 from the small city of Chico. Additionally, 134 structures have been destroyed so far, authorities said.

The fire started Wednesday near Chico, in Butte County, and within hours had devastated a wide area there and in neighbouring Tehama County.

It has already become the 20th largest fire in California history by land area in just two days.

Fire departments from across the state have sent crews to lend a hand.

The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for the region through Friday night, predicting "critical" fire weather conditions.

Earlier this week, a 42-year-old man, named Ronnie Dean Stout II, was arrested as he was accused of pushing a burning car into a gully.

The DA says the man was seen “calmly leaving the area by blending in with the other citizens who were in the area and fleeing the rapidly evolving fire.” Stout, who has not retained an attorney, will likely face an arson charge, the DA’s office told CNN.

Meanwhile, the current fire is not headed toward any large cities, according to climate scientist Daniel Swain.

California is experiencing an early start to what appears to be an intense wildfire season, with 20 currently active incidents and an additional 40 blazes threatening communities to the north.

Canada has also seen a spate of wildfires, including a huge blaze that has consumed much of the tourist town of Jasper in western Alberta province.