Northern California Wildfire Expands, Now 4th-Largest in State History

The Park fire in Northern California has grown to more than 624 square miles, becoming the fourth-largest wildfire in state history, and has destroyed 542 homes and other structures. Nearly 6,400 firefighters were battling the massive fire Friday, Aug. 2, reaching 24 percent containment by the afternoon. The gains could be short-lived as thunderstorms moved into the region. Fire and weather officials warned the erratic winds and lightning forecast for the area over the weekend could impact the fire. “We do have some thunderstorms predicted for this evening and for tomorrow,” said Brian Newman of Cal Fire at a public afternoon briefing. “We don’t anticipate it coming over the fire directly. Generally, we’re seeing a few sprinkles here right now but nothing causing the fire to be extinguished.”...