Wildfire in California burns 220 homes, 600 more expected

On Monday Firefighters aggressively attacked a fire that has destroyed at least 220 houses near the Lake Tahoe resort area in California. The fire, which forced almost 1,000 people to evacuate their homes, is believed to have been caused by human activity.

The fire was started Sunday afternoon and has burned almost 2,500 acres. “This is far and above the biggest disaster that has happened in this community, I don’t know, probably in forever,” said Lt. Kevin House of the El Dorado County Sheriffs Department. He said the fire was less than ten percent contained Monday morning.

During the night weather conditions turned in firefighters favor. Wind slowed to about 12 mph and temperatures dropped to the 30’s.

"Our incident commander is feeling very good right now. We had more favorable conditions overnight. It was a good time to be charging in there and making some progress," said Rex Norman of the U.S. Forest Service.

Over 460 firefighters were battling the raging fire but that number is expected to double. Air tankers and helicopters are expected to help.

"The fire is pretty much staying in the same place right now. But that could change if the winds change,” said Norman.

No injuries, deaths, or missing people have been reported. The fire is expected to threaten 600 more homes and cabins. Officials from the fire department said many residents have refused to evacuate.

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