Northern California Fire Triples in Size to 280 Square Miles

A man was arrested July 25 after he was seen pushing a burning car into a gully the day before, which allegedly caused the massive fire.
Northern California Fire Triples in Size to 280 Square Miles
Flames consume a building as the Park Fire tears through the Cohasset community in Butte County, Calif., July 25, 2024. Noah Berger/AP Photo
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A massive fire in Northern California has exploded to nearly 280 square miles near the town of Chico, about 87 miles north of Sacramento.

State fire investigators say the destructive blaze, called the Park fire, started Wednesday afternoon after a man was seen pushing a burning car into a ravine inside a city park.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
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Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.