California wildfire devastates area larger than Los Angeles, officials say

A wildfire in the US has burned down an area larger than the city of Los Angeles and caused massive destruction.

Officials added that the so-called Park Fire is the largest fire of its kind in California this year and is one of more than 100 wildfires raging in the country.

Some lightning strikes have been caused by the warm weather. Climate change is increasing the number of lightning strikes, while the western US is experiencing scorching heat and bone-dry conditions.

Millions of people in the northwest US and western Canada have been issued air quality warnings.

The Park Fire, which is burning north of the state capital, Sacramento, has spread across more than 570 square miles (1,455 square kilometers) of inland Northern California, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

Evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect for multiple communities in several counties, while many structures have been destroyed. No injuries or fatalities have been reported.

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The sky is darkened by smoke as at least 4,000 firefighters battle the Park Fire. More reinforcements have been called in.

According to the National Weather Service, dry conditions and strong winds increased the fire risk.

Cooler temperatures on the way

Warnings were also issued for large parts of Idaho, Montana, Utah, Colorado and Wyoming, as well as other parts of California.

Lower temperatures are expected by mid-week, but that doesn’t mean existing fires will go away, meteorologists warn.

The fire in Park started Wednesday when someone pushed a burning car into a ravine in Chico and then fled, according to authorities.

A man accused of setting the fire was arrested Thursday and is due to appear in court on Monday.

(c) Sky News 2024: California wildfire destroys area bigger than Los Angeles, officials say