Containment increases on the Park Fire, the fifth-largest wildfire in state history and the second-largest single-ignition-sourced fire, behind the Dixie Fire.
The blaze began on July 24th and is now approaching 390,000 acres and is at 18% containment. Fire growth has appeared to slow from the fire’s first record-breaking spread of 5,000 acres an hour, yet Tuesday’s growth still numbered over 10,000 acres.
Calfire’s latest Tuesday evening update says calm winds and thick smoke helped reduce fire activity near the Lassen National Forest. Fire crews and dozers are working to establish fuel breaks near hot spots, particularly near Mill Creek. It’s important to know that this is not Mill Creek in our region but lies within the Ishi Wilderness of the Lassen National Forest between Highway 32 and 36.
Heavy smoke was observed across the Tehama Zone, particularly in the northeast, with lighter smoke in the southern part of the fire.
Fire crews will be challenged later this week by Warmer, drier weather with potential thunderstorms.
