Thousands of firefighters battle blaze in California

Iona Cleave
·1-min read
Firefighters have been seen using drip torches to burn vegetation, while trying to stop the Park Fire
Firefighters have been seen using drip torches to burn vegetation, while trying to stop the Park Fire - NOAH BERGER/AP

Thousands of firefighters continue to battle a huge wildfire in northern California, after the weeks-long blaze reawakened on Monday.

The Park Fire had shown signs of calming last week but regained strength and continued to grow owing to the dry and hot weather, scorching 11,000 acres in two days.

It is California’s largest wildfire so far this year and the fourth largest in the state’s history, having consumed over 425,000 acres by Wednesday night.

In just two weeks, the fire has burned some 414,042 acres (167,557 hectares)
In just two weeks, the fire has burned some 414,042 acres (167,557 hectares) - JOSH EDELSON/AFP
Firefighters have been trying to help control the Park Fire in the Mill Creek area of California
Firefighters have been trying to help control the Park Fire in the Mill Creek area of California - JOSH EDELSON/AFP

Photographs show columns of firefighters heading into thick orange haze near the Mill Creek Canyon area, where the fire is moving with intensity. Helicopters are pictured swooping overhead, dousing the forests with pink chemicals to slow down the flames.

More than 6,600 personnel, 30 helicopters and 500 engines have been working to contain the fire – which has destroyed more than 630 residential and commercial buildings so far.

Authorities have confirmed the Park Fire was started by arson on July 24, after a now-arrested suspect pushed a flaming car down a hill outside the Sacramento Valley city of Chico.

An air tanker was seen dropping retardant – while trying to keep the Park Fire from spreading in northern California
An air tanker was seen dropping retardant – while trying to keep the Park Fire from spreading in northern California - AP/NOAH BERGER

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