Northern California wildfire grows; more evacuations ordered

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – Evacuation orders have been issued as a wildfire grows in Northern California, threatening a lake community of about 1,300 that was evacuated a year ago because of a destructive fire.

CalFire spokeswoman Suzie Blankenship said the blaze broke out just before 5 p.m. Saturday and spread to more than 400 acres in three hours. It is 15 percent contained.

She said the flames are chewing through extremely dry grass and brush.

Lake County sheriff’s officials have issued three evacuation orders for streets in Lower Lake. The community was evacuated nearly a year ago when one of California’s most destructive wildfires ravaged most of the county, killing four people and destroying more than 1,300 homes.

Meanwhile in central California, a wildfire south of Lake Nacimiento has forced the evacuation of 135 homes. CalFire said the blaze in San Luis Obispo County started Saturday afternoon and has spread to 750 acres.