Park Fire Closes PCT, Fifth-Largest Blaze in California History

California is up in flames as emergency personnel battle the fifth-largest wildfire in state history. Thus far, the Park Fire has devastated 392,480 acres of land near Chico, Butte County, and Lassen National Forest/Park.

The Park Fire is 18 percent contained as of Thursday morning, with firefighters working to battle this fiery blaze amidst triple-digit temperatures, dry conditions, and high winds. For reference, the perimeter of the Park Fire has burned more than three times the surface area of Lake Tahoe, according to CAL FIRE officials.

26,000 people have been evacuated, according to reports early this week, across four counties (Butte, Plumas, Shasta, and Tehama). CAL FIRE reports that 165 structures have been destroyed in the wake of the blaze.

Firefighter amidst the towering blaze of the Park Fire. Photo Credit: CAL FIRE/Butte County

Arson Causes Tragedy in California

According to police records, California resident Ronnie Dean Stout II, 42, was formally charged with felony arson after deliberately igniting what is currently the largest active wildfire in the US.

On the afternoon of July 24, the date on which the Park Fire began, Stout was reportedly spotted pushing a flaming car down a gully in Bidwell Park. 

“The car went down an embankment approximately 60 feet and burned completely, spreading flames that caused the Park Fire,” Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey said in a statement.

The aftermath of the burning car that ignited the Park Fire, California’s fifth-largest on record. Photo Credit: Butte County District Attorney

Park Fire Closes Pacific Crest Trail

For PCT hikers, the PCTA announced that the trail is closed from Bucks Summit (mile 1,270) to Old Station/CA 44 (mile 1,379) due to evacuations. As the wildfire expands rapidly, authorities have also announced that Lassen Volcanic National Park is now closed.

“Please do not travel to or near the park, as it will bring you close to the area where the fire is projected to spread. In addition, current smoke levels (AQI) are extremely hazardous north of the incident,” the PCTA warns. 

Currently, there is no detour available. The PCTA recommends hikers utilize public transit or other transportation to travel around the fire closure east of Lake Almanor to CA-44 and to the town of Old Station. Additionally, if evacuation zones expand, hikers may need to travel further north to get back on trail near CA 299 or Burney Falls State Park.

The Park Fire is one of more than a dozen fires currently threatening the PCT, which have collectively closed some 300 miles of trail. 

For up-to-date closures and evacuation orders, please visit CAL FIRE or the PCTA’s Trail Closures webpage.

Featured image courtesy of CAL FIRE/Butte County.