A fast-growing California wildfire near Gold Rush-era town Weaverville has forced residents of 150 homes to evacuate and poses a threat to an additional 500 residences, The Associated Press reported.
The northern California fire started near Highway 299 just after 4:30 p.m. Sunday and quickly escalated to more than 650 acres, according to state fire spokesman Daniel Berlant.
California Governor's Office of Emergency Services spokeswoman Lilly Wyatt said the fire is also threatening close to 20 businesses and facilities, the town high school and an airport.
Dry conditions in a drought-ridden California, along with the addition of gusty winds, fueled the "Oregon fire," and crews struggled to contain it because of the steep terrain, Berlant said.
"The fire is currently burning at a rapid rate of spread," according to Action News Now.
School has been cancelled today, as the fire temporarily forced the highway to close.
About 380 firefighters are battling the fire, Wyatt said. As of early Monday, the fire is 25 percent contained, reported CBS News.
A shelter for those that evacuated is being moved today from Weaverville Elementary School to the Baptist Church, officials said, according to The LA Times.
