California’s Biggest Fire of the Year Grows to 6th-Largest in State’s History

Almost 5,000 firefighting personnel were on site combatting the fire, which was 12 percent contained as of July 29.

Fire engines drive through flames ripping across Highway 36 as the Park fire continues to burn near Paynes Creek in unincorporated Tehama County, Calif., on July 26, 2024. Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images

An arson-caused fire in Northern California had grown to nearly 600 square miles July 29, becoming one of the fastest-growing fires and the sixth-largest in state history.

Fire officials say the Park fire burning mostly in Tehama and Butte counties was 12 percent contained and had consumed 111 homes and buildings and damaged six others by July 29 as almost 5,000 firefighting personnel were on site.