Wildfires prompt California evacuations as crews battle Oregon and Idaho fires stoked by lightning
The sun sets behind the mountains obscured by wildfire smoke from blazes in the American West and provinces of western Canada late Wednesday, July 24, 2024. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Rapidly growing wildfires prompted evacuations in Northern and Southern California on Thursday, while some Oregon residents were cleared to return home after a thunderstorm dropped welcome rain but also potentially dangerous lightning on the largest active blaze in the United States. Another fast-moving wildfire forced thousands to abandon a town in Canada.
Evacuations were ordered in California’s Butte and Tehama counties as crews battled a fire reported near Chico just before 3 p.m. Wednesday. The blaze, dubbed the Park Fire, quickly spread from about 10 square miles (26 square kilometers) to more than 70 square miles (180 square kilometers) and was only 3% contained early Thursday, according to CAL FIRE. The cause was under investigation.
Become a Subscriber!
You have read all of your free articles this month. Select a plan below to start your subscription today.
Already a subscriber? Login
