Fire was started

Thousands of people evacuated in forest fire

Despite the efforts of around 1700 firefighters, the fire was "zero percent" under control, according to the Californian fire protection authority Calfire.(Bild: AFP)

More than 4,000 people had to be evacuated in northern California due to a rapidly advancing forest fire. The fire is spreading at a rate of around 1600 to 2020 hectares per hour.

The so-called Park Fire, which was fanned by a heatwave, is the most serious forest fire in California so far this summer. It has already devastated almost 97,000 hectares of land.

134 buildings destroyed
A total of 4,000 people have been evacuated from the towns of Cohasset and Forest Ranch, and another 400 from the city of Chico. According to the authorities, 134 buildings have been destroyed so far.

The forest fire broke out on Wednesday evening. In just two days, it has already reached 20th place among the largest fires in California's history in terms of area.

Hundreds of additional helpers are to reinforce the operations.(Bild: AFP)

Despite the deployment of around 1700 firefighters, the fire is "zero percent" under control, according to the Californian fire protection authority Calfire.(Bild: AFP)

Man alleged to have caused fire
On Thursday, a 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of having started the fire. According to the district attorney in charge, he was seen pushing a burning car into a ravine.

Extreme heat in Canada too
Neighboring Canada is also suffering from the flames caused by extreme heat: a devastating forest fire in western Canada destroyed part of the town of Jasper, located in the national park of the same name, on Thursday. The flames reached the town, which is popular with tourists, on Wednesday evening after spreading rapidly.