Sacramento –
Firefighters in northern California were battling a wildfire Monday, July 4, 2009, east of Sacramento, forcing many people to evacuate.
As the fire spread rapidly, between 85 and 100 people celebrating the holiday at a nearby beach resort called Vox Beach should be taken to the nearby Pacific Gas and Electric Company, said Amadore County Sheriff Gary Redman.
Redman said the men were safe inside the facility Monday night, but were unable to leave due to a fire.
“We can’t go in there. Fire cannot enter there, ”Redman told the Associated Press late Monday. “The trees are coming down. The whole place is on fire.”
The blaze in Amador County spread to 959 acres (388 hectares) as early as 7 a.m. Monday, Cal Fire reported. Hours ago, the fire agency said on Twitter that the blaze, which spread over 75 hectares (30 hectares) and was “spreading at a dangerous rate on dry grass”, was on fire.
Redman said the spread of the blaze slowed to 10 a.m. Monday and he hoped those stranded at the PG&E facility would not be able to stay overnight. Firefighters said they were clearing the road leading to the facility and entering buses or patrol cars.
According to Redman, about 500 other people were injured in the forced evictions.
The cause of the fire is unknown, but it has been reported in the vicinity of Vox Beach. He said that fireworks or barbecues could be the cause.
Vox Beach is 89 miles[89 km]east of Sacramento.
The fire is one of the many fires in the region.
Earlier Monday, authorities said evacuation orders and warnings had been issued after a wildfire in another northern California district threatened nearly 500 homes and other buildings.
Nevada County Sheriff’s Office issued warning regarding rice fire Monday morning. He urged residents to be cautious when returning to the area as they may be harmed.
The blaze broke out near the Uba River on Tuesday, destroying five homes and eight other buildings, firefighters said.
It started with a burning building and spread to nearby drylands near the state capitol and the Nevada border, northeast of Sacramento.
The fire burned about 900 hectares (366 hectares) and consumed 65%. He is expected to be arrested in full on Tuesday, officials said.
