Northern California wildfire threatens 500 buildings
2 Min Read
A wildfire in Northern California has forced evacuations, threatening 500 homes and other structures.
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Northern California wildfire threatens 500 buildings.
A wildfire that erupted in Northern California on Tuesday forced the evacuation of 500 homes and other structures, authorities reported.
The Rices Fire broke out around 2 pm near the Yuba River in Nevada County and had spread to more than 500 acres (202 hectares) by nightfall, according to California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Unit Chief Brian Estes. The fires also threatened power lines, water delivery systems, and a state park, according to Estes.
The rural area is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains northeast of Sacramento, roughly halfway between the state Capitol and the Nevada border.
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Authorities previously stated that the fire started with a burning building and spread to nearby dry vegetation. However, during an evening press conference, Estes said he couldn't confirm reports that some buildings had been destroyed.
County Sheriff Shannan Moon said that about 350 buildings, including homes and other structures, were under evacuation orders.
Firefighters battled the blaze on the ground and in the air, with aircraft dropping dozens of water and fire retardant drops.
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The fire was one of several that erupted in Northern California on Tuesday as the state sweltered in the summer heat, with temperatures in the Rices Fire area reaching 98 degrees Fahrenheit (36.6 degrees Celsius) with low humidity.
A fire that broke out in San Luis Obispo County on Tuesday morning burned through grass and brush. It threatened about 50 buildings, but no damage or injuries were reported, and fire officials said the blaze was 25% contained.
A fire that charred more than 300 acres (121 hectares) in Glenn County was 65% contained. Authorities said a 500-acre (202-hectare) fire near Davis, west of Sacramento, was extinguished with no building damage or injuries.
