CHICO – Firefighters battling the Park Fire in California remain concerned as they stare down the potential for perilous weather conditions through the weekend.
The Park Fire is the largest wildfire of the year so far in the state, burning 392,480 acres as of Thursday morning, and is the fifth-largest wildfire in California history , according to Cal Fire numbers. This acreage means it’s more than six times the size of the city of Sacramento.
Numerous evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect across four different counties: Butte, Plumas, Shasta and Tehama.
An arson suspect has been arrested on suspicion of starting the fire when he was allegedly seen pushing a car that was on fire down into the gully near Alligator Hole in upper Bidwell Park near Chico.
Wildfire weather concerns
Cal Fire officials say a critical weather period of warmer and drier conditions coupled with thunderstorm potential starts Friday and is expected to last through Monday.