Wildfires Rage Up And Down California, Destroying Hundreds Of Homes

"Up and down drought-ravaged California, half a dozen wildfires continued to burn Sunday as firefighting crews gained an upper hand on some blazes and struggled to contain others.

In Southern California, the destructive Blue Cut fire that has raged through more than 37,000 acres was 83% contained as of Sunday morning. The fire has destroyed more than 300 structures, including 105 homes.

At one point, the blaze that started Aug. 16 had displaced 82,649 people and threatened 34,500 structures — as of Sunday, 2,419 residents remained evacuated and the number of threatened structures was down to just over 600.

Firefighters were also near full containment of the Clayton fire in idyllic Lake County near Napa, with the blaze about 95% contained by Sunday. The suspected arson fire, which started Aug. 13, charred 3,929 acres and destroyed 189 homes."

Victoria Kim reports for the Los Angeles Times August 21, 2016.

SEE ALSO:

"In Drought-Stricken California, There's No Longer A Fire "Season"" (NPR)

"This Is The ‘Fuse’ That Ignites California’s Explosive Fires" (Washington Post)