Wildfire threatens homes in Northern California
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - June 20, 2008 There was no immediate estimate of how many homes were
threatened in the area, where dead grass and other vegetation were
burning. The fire had burned 1,000 acres, less than two square
miles, and sent thick black smoke hundreds of feet into the air.
Evacuations were mandatory. Chris Hirsch, a spokeswoman for
Santa Cruz County, said the 2,000 evacuees were being taken to a
school.
Some homes were burning, but there was no indication how many,
Hirsch said.
Paul Van Gerwen, a battalion chief with the California
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, said "numerous
structures" are threatened.
Helicopters were dropping water and fire retardant, Van Gerwen
said.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Van Gerwen noted
that multiple grass fires appeared to have merged into the larger
blaze.
The California Highway Patrol closed 6 miles of Highway 1, where
traffic was backed up for miles.
