California wildfire razes homes

Hundreds of homes evacuated as strong winds and hot temperatures fuel fears of further losses.

The Sand Fire has burned more than 1,500 hectares in Amador and El Dorado counties since Friday [Reuters]

Firefighters in northern California are battling a wildfire that has destroyed 10 homes and forced hundreds of evacuations in the Sierra Nevada foothills, while a fire near Yosemite grew significantly overnight.

Fire officials say the Sand Fire has burned more than 1,500 hectares in Amador and El Dorado counties since Friday.

CalFire spokesperson Lynne Tolmachoff said the fire continued to threaten hundreds of homes east of Sacramento.

Authorities have evacuated about 500 homes with about 1,200 residents, and closed roads near Plymouth in Amador County’s wine-growing region.

Tolmachoff said the fire could grow again on Sunday as firefighters braced for strong winds and high temperatures.

Meanwhile, a wildfire that began on Saturday has reached 850 hectares, destroying one home in a small community outside Yosemite National Park.

Scott Gediman, a park ranger, said no other homes were immediately threatened.

Source: AP