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By Anna Skinner
Associate News Editor
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California wildfires have burned hundreds of thousands of acres so far this year, far beyond the average impact according to a recent update from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).
CAL FIRE urged residents to remain vigilant as it provided an update about wildfire impacts in the state on Tuesday afternoon. The update comes as the Park Fire continues to burn across several counties, growing to nearly 390,000 acres in size. So far, it is only 18 percent contained.
The Park Fire ignited on July 24 and has since grown to become the largest wildfire currently burning in California, more than four times the size of the Lake Fire in Santa Barbara that started weeks ago and is the next largest in the state.
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The Park Fire accounts for more than half the acres burned by wildfires so far this year in California, a staggering number that is much higher than normal for this time of year.
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"As of July 30, 2024, wildfires have scorched a staggering 751,327 acres across our state," CAL FIRE posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday afternoon.
"This year's wildfire activity is 2,816% higher than last year, 29 times the amount of acreage burned. The numbers are a stark reminder: 95% of wildfires are caused by humans. Stay vigilant—follow fire safety guidelines, maintain defensible space, and report suspicious activities. Let's prevent fires from accidental sparks like dragging trailer chains or improper campfires. One less spark means one less wildfire."
In the day since CAL FIRE posted the update, roughly 12,000 more acres have been burned.
David Acuña, the battalion chief of communications for CAL FIRE told Newsweek there are three causes behind the increased fires. Two back-to-back wet winters and springs have alleviated much of the state's drought, but Acuña said the water has increased grass growth, which provides fine fuels for the fires.
Likewise, a typhoon that hit California last August cut short last year's wildfire season but provided enough moisture to spur another bumper crop of grasses. And thirdly, Acuña said climate change has increased heat in California, with much of the state experiencing temperatures in the 100s throughout the month of June.
The Park Fire ignited after someone allegedly pushed a burning car into a ravine. A suspect in the alleged arson has since been arrested, although the flames continue to rage.
The Park Fire is spread across four counties: Butte, Plumas, Shasta and Tehama. The next largest fire in the state is the 2024 SQF Lightning Complex, which ignited on July 13. The fire, which is burning in Kern and Tulare counties, is nearly 90,000 acres in size and is 34 percent contained.
There are 19 active wildfires in CAL FIRE's jurisdiction, according to the department's website. Several of the fires, including the Eagle Fire in San Luis Obispo County, the Cougar Fire in Tehama County, and the Plantation Fire in Modoc County are 100 percent contained. Others, like the Italian Fire in Fresno County and the Sentinel Fire in Fresno County, are 0 percent contained.
According to the most recent CAL FIRE update, wildfires have killed one civilian this year and destroyed 559 structures, damaging 96 others.
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