Massive Park Fire Ravages Northern California

The Park Fire has burned over 600 square miles in California, becoming the fifth largest wildfire in the state's history. More than 5,500 firefighters are working to contain the fire. No injuries have been reported, but more than 4,000 people have been evacuated. Ronnie Dean Stout II has been charged with arson.

The largest wildfire in the U.S., the Park Fire, expanded to over 600 square miles by Tuesday night, larger than the city of Los Angeles, officials reported. Firefighters from across California and other states are battling the blaze in a wilderness area north of Sacramento.

Currently, more than 5,500 firefighters are working round the clock to control the fire, which has grown to 386,764 acres, making it the fifth-largest wildfire in California's history. The Park Fire has already surpassed the 2020 Creek Fire in size, but it is still smaller than the state's record-holding August Complex fire of 2020.

Fueled by dry conditions, the fire has destroyed or damaged over 192 structures and prompted the evacuation of more than 4,000 people. Ronnie Dean Stout II was formally charged with arson for allegedly starting the fire, which continues to challenge firefighting efforts due to hot, dry weather and difficult terrain.

(With inputs from agencies.)