Firefighters tackling a massive blaze in northern California were bracing for a backlash from the weather on Wednesday, with forecasted gusty winds threatening to spread the inferno. More than 1,800 firefighters were battling Wednesday to contain the fire, which erupted Sunday near the southern tip of Lake Tahoe, a popular tourist spot 304 kilometers (189 miles) northeast of San Francisco.
By 8:00 am (1500 GMT) Wednesday, the fire had scorched 3,100 acres (1,254 hectares), destroyed more than 225 structures — including 176 homes — and forced the evacuation of around 2,000 local residents.
A further 950 residences and 350 commercial businesses were threatened by the fire, which was only 44 percent contained, US Forest Service fire information officer Barbara Rebiske told AFP.
Firefighters suffered a setback on Tuesday when wind-driven flames leapt across containment lines before eventually being extinguished.
And with the combination of strong winds and low humidity forecast for Wednesday, firefighters faced another gruelling day at the office.
"The immediate concern is going to be the weather today," Rebiske said. "The wind is expected to be quite strong today and with the low humidity that could create problems."
California officials on Monday declared a state of emergency in the area affected by the fire, which local officials have described as the worst in memory.
Forestry service officials said the exact cause of the fire had not been pinned down but said the blaze was "almost certainly" the result of human activity.
No injuries have been reported in the fire so far.
US fire and forestry officials have been bracing for a severe fire season across California this year after a dry winter marked by record low rainfalls.
earlier related report
Strong Winds Fan Flames in Lake Tahoe Fire
