Park Fire

Photo Courtesy | Rep. Doug LaMalfa

Incident Summary

CHICO, CALIFORNIA — On July 24, 2024, an arsonist lit a fire off of Upper Park Road in Bidwell Park, which would go from a small to a ginormous firestorm that has burned about 429,603 acres in several Counties mainly in Butte and Tehama.

When a massive wildfire starts to outpace available fire equipment and personnel, we quickly call in reinforcements. Multiple task forces and support staff from Texas have been deployed to the Park Fire to help tackle the blaze and contain its spread. This mutual aid not only supports California’s urgent needs but also gives firefighters from other states valuable experience in new environments. Stay safe and keep an eye out for more updates. – CAL FIRE (8/13/2024 1046PT)

Command

Unified Command includes CAL FIRE Butte Unit, CAL FIRE Tehama-Glenn Unit and the Lassen National Forest and under management of the USFS SW Area IMT2.

Significant Events

Some significant events that have occurred:

  • The Arson suspect is detained, arrested, and charged.
  • Governor Newsom proclaims a State of Emergency in Plumas, Butte, and Tehama Counties.
  • California secures Federal assistance to support response efforts.

Stop Arson Fires In Their Tracks

If you need to report an emergency, such as a fire or suspicious activity, call the secure arson hotline at 1-800-468-4408!

So far this year, CAL FIRE has made 91 arrests related to arson. Your vigilance is crucial—by reporting any suspicious behavior immediately, you help protect homes, assist your neighbors, and keep your community safe. Don’t hesitate to alert authorities about any concerns!

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The man accused of igniting California’s fourth largest fire in state history appeared in court again today. During the hearing, Ronnie Dean Stout II, 42, of Chico, pleaded not guilty to arson charges related to the Park Fire. Stout returns to court on Thursday, Sept. 19, for a setting of a preliminary hearing. – Local Media

Resources

For the first time in over three years, CAL FIRE activated the California National Guard to assist in our firefighting efforts on the #ParkFire and the #BorelFire.

When a fire becomes too complex for our units to manage, CAL FIRE and our partners deploy specialized Incident Management Teams (IMTs) to take over. This year alone, we’ve activated 11 IMTs due to the dramatic upsurge in fire activity.

Currently, we’re facing a unique scenario with the #ParkFire: two CAL FIRE IMTs are tackling the same blaze! IMT 3 is operating out of Chico, while IMT 4 is based in Red Bluff. – CAL FIRE Officials

Photo Credit | CAL FIRE Tehama-Glenn Unit/Tehama County FD

During activations like this, we can deploy anywhere from 100 to 400 trained soldiers to the frontlines, to construct handlines and help stop the spread of wildfires under CAL FIRE supervision.

  • 471 personnel
  • 1 copter
  • 13 engines
  • 9 dozers
  • 31 water tenders
  • 15 crews

Incident Cooperators

  • Tehama County Sheriff’s Office
  • CHP
  • CA Conservation Corps
  • BLM
  • CA DOC & Rehab
  • Sierra Pacific Industries
  • Collins Pine Company
  • CA OES
  • CA DOT
  • PG&E

Damages include

  • 54 damaged structures
  • 709 structures destroyed

With our hand crew strike team being released Monday from the Park Fire, we will have our full complement of resources back available in the Unit for the first time in over two months. We’ll be back at our peak staffing levels of 31 state engines, six dozers, and five hand crews in addition to our helicopters and fixed-winged aircraft for aerial firefighting.– CAL FIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit (9/2/2024 1029 PT)

Through the Eyes of Social Media

“The Park Fire is now the fourth largest in state history. The Baker family represents so many who for the second time, are facing the harsh reality of picking up the pieces and starting over in just the last six years. Their resilience and ability to cherish the good amidst so much dark was a lesson I’ll carry with me forever.” – Local TV Reporter (8/2/2024)

(c) 2024 NW Fire Blog