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topicnews · August 26, 2024

Park Fire has destroyed more than 700 buildings, says Cal Fire

Park Fire has destroyed more than 700 buildings, says Cal Fire

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The number of structures destroyed by the Park Fire exceeded 700 as damage assessment crews deployed over the weekend to the fourth-largest wildfire in state history finished their work.

As of Monday morning, the fire, which broke out a month ago, was 82 percent contained and 429,603 acres of land in Butte and Tehama counties had already burned, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said.

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the cost of fighting the fire is $275 million.

The number of homes, commercial buildings and other structures destroyed by the park fire reached 709, Cal Fire said. 54 buildings were damaged.

“Damage inspectors were able to examine areas that were previously inaccessible. The damage inspection is now complete and the number of buildings destroyed is final,” the agency said in its incident report Monday morning.

The park fire broke out on July 24 in Upper Bidwell Park in Chico.

Ronnie Dean Stout II, 42, of Chico is accused of setting the fire. Stout pleaded not guilty last week in Butte County Superior Court.

He is due back in court on September 19 to set a date for a preliminary hearing on the arson charge against him.

Stout was in Upper Bidwell Park when he allegedly got his car stuck on a rock just before 3 p.m. on July 24. According to Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey, he started a grass fire underneath the vehicle while attempting to free the car (a 2007 Toyota Yaris).

While rains brought cooler temperatures over the weekend, efforts to further contain the fire were hampered by the wet weather due to safety concerns, Cal Fire said.

However, warmer temperatures are expected this week.

“There was no fire activity throughout the incident. Crews continue to clean up and search for fire-weakened or dead trees that need to be removed,” Cal Fire said of the conditions Sunday.

Tehama County Road 202 or Plum Creek Road will be closed from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. near the Ishi Conservation Camp to Ponderosa Way.

David Benda covers business, development and everything else going on for the USA TODAY Network in Redding. He also writes the weekly column “Buzz on the Street.” He is part of a team of dedicated reporters who investigate grievances, break news and tell other stories about your community. You can reach him at X, formerly Twitter @DavidBenda_RS or call 530-338-8323. To support and sustain this work, subscribe today.

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