Massive Wildfire Explodes In Size Near Chico

Here are the morning’s top stories on Friday, July 26, 2024…

• The Park Fire north of Chico has exploded to more than 164,000 acres in just over a day. And according to Cal Fire this morning, the blaze has destroyed at least 134 structures. 
• Homeless rights advocates blasted a decision Thursday by Governor Gavin Newsom to crack down on homeless encampments across the state. Meanwhile, some city officials celebrated.

Massive Park Fire Near Chico Destroys 134 Structures As It Burns Out of Control

California’s largest wildfire of the year has destroyed 134 structures as it burns out of control just north of Chico, state fire officials said Friday morning.

The Park Fire has pushed some 4,000 people from their homes and has now charred more than 164,280 acres since it ignited Wednesday afternoon. Containment dropped from 3% to 0% by Friday as the fire continued to spread rapidly.

The rural communities of Cohasset and Forest Ranch along Highway 32, which have been ordered to evacuate, are under threat.

Arson investigators believe the blaze was started by a man who pushed a burning car into a gully in Chico’s upper Bidwell Park.

Newsom Orders State Agencies to Dismantle Homeless Encampments Across California

Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order on Thursday directing state officials to dismantle homeless encampments from public areas and urging cities to take similar action, about a month after a Supreme Court decision expanding local governments’ authority to remove unhoused people from the streets.

“This executive order directs state agencies to move urgently to address dangerous encampments while supporting and assisting the individuals living in them,” Newsom said in a statement. “There are simply no more excuses. It’s time for everyone to do their part.”

The order directs state agencies to adopt policies similar to the California Department of Transportation’s encampment policy, under which officials prioritize clearing encampments that pose “an imminent threat to life, health, safety or infrastructure;” provide at least 48 hours’ notice to encampment residents; request outreach and assistance from service providers; and store personal property for at least 60 days.

Newsom also encouraged local governments to do the same and to use state funding to clear encampments and provide care.