Wildfires

Wildfires - California, USA

Wind-driven wildfires destroyed buildings and threatened hundreds of others Sunday as they raced across dry brush in rural Northern California.

The Pawnee fire that broke out Saturday near the community of Clearlake Oaks has destroyed 12 buildings and threatened an additional 600 as it burned out of control across about 12 square miles. Authorities ordered people to evacuate all homes in the Spring Valley area, where about 3,000 people live.

The Lane fire in Tehama County consumed 5.5 square miles, but no buildings were reported burned. The blaze threatened 200 structures and some homes had been evacuated, Cox said. It was 10% contained.

The Creek fire in neighboring Shasta County grew to 1.6 square miles and was 20% contained. The conflagration had damaged no structures but did prompt evacuations.

Wildfires - Oregon, USA

Firefighters say they are making good progress on two lightning-sparked wildfires that started last week in Central Oregon.

The Graham Fire, near Lake Billy Chinook, remained at 2,055 acres Sunday, and was 50 percent contained. The fire threatened numerous homes in the Three Rivers subdivision, but residents who had previously been evacuated were allowed to return home Saturday night.

The Boxcar Fire, near Maupin, grew to 87,000 acres Saturday night after merging with the nearby South Junction Fire. It’s now 10 percent contained.