Park Fire: fire fighters battle California's seventh-largest wildfire

A major forest fire, known as the Park Fire, has been raging since 27 July 2024 near Chico, in the north of Sacramento, California's capital.

The flames rapidly spread over 142 000 hectares in less than 24 hours, an area the size of Los Angeles. This is the seventh largest forest fire in the western State.

The fire brigades are facing enormous difficulties due to the region's dry weather conditions and rugged terrain. By Sunday morning, only 12% of the fire had been contained.

Park Fire has already destroyed 66 structures and threatens thousands more homes. Over 4 000 people have been evacuated from the area.

This is the latest in a series of wildfires that ravaged the state last June. Nearly 1 200 people had already been displaced by fires that destroyed more than 8 000 hectares.