Sacramento:  The Largest wildfire of the year in California has left more than 130 structures destroyed and thousands of people evacuated.

The Park Fire, igniting Wednesday afternoon near Chico, just north of Sacramento, has swiftly spread to cover more than 164,000 acres (663.9 sq km) by Friday morning, leaving significant destruction in its path, as reported by a news agency.

As of Friday morning, the fire has demolished 134 structures and poses a threat to an additional 4,200, with containment at a mere 3 per cent, according to local authorities and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).

Cal Fire’s latest update on Friday stated, “The Park Fire has been burning intensely due to the hot, dry conditions in the area. Currently, there is a Red Flag Warning in effect because of strong winds and low humidity. The fire is consuming grass, brush, mixed timber, and dead vegetation.”

The origin of the fire has been linked to arson. A 42-year-old Chico resident, Ronnie Dean Stout II, has been apprehended on suspicion of deliberately setting the blaze.

Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey has indicated that the fire likely started when a burning vehicle was sent down a gully, tumbling nearly 20 meters down an embankment. The motive for this suspected arson is still unknown.

The swift expansion of the Park Fire has necessitated extensive evacuations throughout Butte County and adjacent Tehama County.

Sheriff Kory Honea of Butte County announced that around 4,000 residents have been mandated to evacuate, including 400 from Chico.

The office of Governor Gavin Newsom of California has disclosed that as of early Thursday, 3,500 individuals had been forced to leave their homes.

Although only minor injuries have been reported, the full impact of the fire on the community is yet to be determined. Authorities are advising residents to remain vigilant and prepared for evacuation.