Wildfires threaten thousands in California and Canada; plus, how do they start? [Video]

COLUMBUS, GA (WRBL)- While we are currently experiencing our 11th straight day of rain, other portions of North America are seeing intense wild fires.

In Chico, California, the Park Fire is now the state’s largest fire of the year. As of Thursday night, 125,000 acres have been burned and the fire is still only 3% contained.

Mandatory evacuations have gone into place in several counties, forcing thousands to flee the blaze.

Over in Jasper, Canada, near Alberta, 25,000 people were forced to evacuate quickly Wednesday evening.

Alberta Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis said a wind gust moved the wildfire about 3 miles in less than 30 minutes toward the town with a wall of fire that he estimated was 100 meters high.

Officials this evening say that all critical infrastructure has been protected, but there have been homes damaged to the west of town.

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