News
Massive California Wildfire Consumes 5,000 Acres Per Hour
A massive wildfire, known as the Park Fire, is rapidly spreading across northern California, growing by 8 square miles (20 square kilometers) every hour. Since its suspected arson start on Wednesday, the blaze has scorched over 350,000 acres northeast of Chico, making it the largest wildfire in California this year. As of Sunday morning, the fire was only 10% contained, according to Cal Fire, the state’s fire agency.
Approximately 2,500 firefighters are actively battling the flames, which are being fueled by steep terrain and strong wind gusts. A 42-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the fire, suspected of starting it by rolling a burning car into a gully near Alligator Hole in Butte County.
The fire’s current size surpasses 1.5 times that of New York City’s five boroughs. Cal Fire incident commander Billy See reported that the fire has been advancing at a rate of 5,000 acres per hour. During an operational briefing, Mr. See highlighted that despite tripling the number of personnel from Friday to Saturday, resources remain insufficient.
Scott Weese, a fire behaviorist with Cal Fire, emphasized the high fuel load in the area, consisting of abundant grass, which is contributing to the fire’s intensity. “The heat signature is huge,” Weese noted, mentioning that the fire engulfed 150,000 acres on the previous day.
Authorities are cautiously optimistic that Saturday’s improved weather conditions could aid in containing the blaze. Wind speeds have decreased, and temperatures have dropped by about 15°F, although they still hover in the low 90s (32°C) in some areas.
In response to the Park Fire, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Butte and Tehama counties on Friday. “We are using every available tool to protect lives and property as our fire and emergency response teams work around the clock to combat these challenging fires,” he stated.
The firefighting efforts include at least 16 helicopters and multiple air tankers that are deploying water from the sky when conditions permit. Despite the challenges, the firefighting teams remain determined to bring the fire under control and safeguard the affected communities.
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
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