Tehama County, CA, USA - August 10, 2024

The ParkFire, which has been a concern for local communities and firefighting teams for weeks, recently saw a surge in activity due to adverse weather conditions and dense fuel loads. The Fire Behavior Assessment Team (FBAT), deployed to monitor and predict the fire's movements, played a pivotal role in managing this escalating threat.

The FBAT, equipped with the latest in fire behavior analysis technology, set up specialized cameras in the Mill Creek Drainage area, a spot identified for potential extreme fire behavior. This strategic placement was based on an analysis of weather forecasts, terrain, and the types of vegetation that could fuel the fire's spread.

The footage captured by these cameras was nothing short of dramatic. It showed ember showers, where burning embers were carried by the wind, igniting new fires ahead of the main fire front. This phenomenon led to rapid fire spread, with flames reaching the tops of trees, resulting in large crown fires that are notoriously difficult to control.