Wildfires Burn, Threaten Homes in California, Oregon, and Washington State

A firefighter with the Anderson, Calif., Fire Protection District douses hot spots left behind by the Eiler Fire along Highway 89 near Burney, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Two Northern California wildfires are menacing the small town of Burney as they burn through more than 100 square miles of drought-stricken brush.

The Eiler Fire has destroyed eight homes and is threatening about 700 others. It was only 10 percent contained as of last night. The flames are within four miles, and with ash falling in the Shasta County town, Burney residents have been told to be ready to get out.

There’s a chance of thunderstorms in today’s forecast, and officials warn that lightning could spark new blazes.

The Eiler Fire is one of about a dozen wildfires that have burned more than 200 square miles across California.

Meanwhile, a major wildfire in the mountains along the Oregon-California border has slowed but still threatens 270 homes. Nine large fires are burning across 118 square miles of forest and rangeland in Oregon.

In Washington state, a wind-whipped fire has destroyed about a dozen structures and prompted an evacuation notice for about 80 homes in Kittitas (KIHT’-ih-tas) County.

SOURCE: The Associated Press