A park fire seen from space shows the explosive impact of California’s largest brush fire of the year.
The video, captured by a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration satellite over several hours Friday into Saturday morning, shows the massive plume of smoke from the fires spreading in Butte, Plumas, Shasta and Tehama counties. At the time, authorities reported that the fire had burned 239,152 acres.
Two days later, as of Sunday evening, the fire had grown to 360,141 acres and is now the seventh largest fire in California history.
Evacuation orders sent thousands of people fleeing their homes in Chico and southern Tehama counties over the weekend. The fires have destroyed at least 67 buildings, with another 4,200 buildings still at risk. There have been no reports of casualties.
Officials said the fire was burning again on Sunday but was 12% contained as cooler weather over the weekend made it easier to fight the fire.
A man was arrested Thursday on suspicion of arson after officials said he pushed a burning car into a ditch in Chico, an act that investigators say triggered the disaster.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after officials say he pushed a car down an embankment at Chico Bidwell Park.
(Butte County District Attorney)
