Northern California wildfire that tripled in size in one day was started by a man who pushed a burning car into a gully, according to authorities.

The Park Fire, in Butte County, had burned more than 250 square miles near the city of Chico by early Friday.

Officials say thousands have been ordered to evacuate and several structures have been destroyed.

Investigators have arrested a 42-year-old man, who is set to be formally charged in court on Monday.