East of Sacramento, the Sand Fire in the Sierra foothills has burned roughly 6 square miles of steep, rugged terrain near wine-growing regions in Amador and El Dorado counties since Friday, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the AP reported.
The fire, which also destroyed 38 outbuildings, was 50 percent contained Sunday night, but 515 homes remained at risk and under evacuation orders, a CalFire statement said, according to the AP.
Fire crews were able to significantly increase their containment lines but "the steep, dry terrain continues to be a challenge," a CalFire said, the AP reported.
About 1,900 firefighters, aided by aircraft including a DC-10 air tanker, were working to control the blaze, according to the AP. CalFire officials say the fire started Friday when a vehicle drove over dry vegetation.
Alfred Shults, his wife, Carolyn, and their granddaughter fled their home in El Dorado County on Friday after receiving an automated telephone call ordering residents to evacuate, according to the Sacramento Bee, the AP reported.
Meanwhile, a wildfire that began Saturday west of Yosemite National Park quadrupled in size overnight to more than 3 square miles, according to the AP. It destroyed one home in the small community of Foresta, adjacent to the park, Ranger Scott Gediman said.
An estimated 100 homes in Foresta and the small community of Old El Portal were evacuated Saturday, and residents remained out of their homes Sunday, the AP reported. Two shelters opened for people and animals.
"There have been no injuries so far, which is wonderful," Gediman said, according to the AP. The park itself, home to such sites as Half Dome mountain, Yosemite Meadows, a grove of Giant Sequoia trees and other wonders, remained open throughout Sunday.
None of its treasures were threatened, Gediman said, although some areas were smoky, the AP reported. About 400 firefighters, aided by fixed-wing helicopters, battled the flames, Gediman said, but the cause wasn't immediately known.