A view of the Park Fire from space shows the explosive impact of California's largest wildfire of the year.
The video, recorded over several hours from Friday into Saturday morning by a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration satellite, shows dramatic plumes of smoke originating from the fire that is spreading across Butte, Plumas, Shasta and Tehama counties. At the time, officials reported the blaze had scorched 239,152 acres.
By 3 p.m. Sunday, two days later, the fire had spread to 353,194 acres, now the seventh-largest in California history.
Thousands of people fled their homes in Chico and southern Tehama County over the weekend due to evacuation orders. The fire has destroyed at least 67 structures and another 4,200 remain in danger. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
Authorities said the blaze flared up again Sunday but reported it was 12% contained thanks to cooler, fire-fighting-friendly weather over the weekend.
A man was arrested on suspicion of arson Thursday after authorities said he pushed a burning car off a cliff in Chico, an action investigators say sparked the calamity.
A man was arrested on suspicion of arson after authorities say he pushed a car off an embankment in Chico's Bidwell Park.
(Butte County District Attorney)
