California Wildfire Sparked by Burning Car; Suspect Arrested

Authorities in California have announced the arrest of a suspect linked to the state's largest wildfire of the year, ignited by a burning car pushed into a gully. The incident has compounded the challenges faced by firefighters as they battle multiple blazes across the Pacific Northwest. In the Plumas National Forest, approximately 1,000 residents remain displaced due to evacuations ordered following the Gold Complex fires, which have scorched over four square miles of brush and timber. Despite the extensive damage caused by the Gold Complex fires, no significant injuries or structural damage have been reported. Tim Fike, the incident commander, noted that gusty winds have complicated firefighting efforts, leading to new spot fires emerging up to a mile beyond the main fire lines. Meanwhile, in Montana, over two dozen new fires erupted, and a fast-moving blaze in Canada prompted mass evacuations. In eastern Oregon, the city of Huntington has lifted evacuation orders after a severe thunderstorm brought much-needed rain and cooler temperatures to the area affected by the Durkee Fire, the largest in the nation. However, lightning strikes have ignited 15 new fires in Idaho, with several already extinguished by Thursday afternoon. Fire personnel in northern California are prioritizing evacuations and structure protection as they work to contain the Park Fire, which has rapidly expanded to 1.4 square miles and is only 10% contained. In Montana, fire warnings remain in effect due to extreme weather conditions, prompting authorities to advise caution around potentially electrified rivers.