Blaze under control after damaging homes

MARTINEZ, Calif. (AP) -- A fast-moving grass fire destroyed a home, damaged eight others and forced some evacuations before it was brought under control, officials said Saturday. Two firefighters were treated for minor injuries.
The wind-driven blaze started Friday afternoon near Highway 4 and grew to about 250 acres, briefly threatening a high school and a hospital before being brought under control.
Officials ordered the evacuation of 20 people who lived nearby, and a voluntary evacuation was in effect in surrounding neighborhoods. More than 200 people streamed into an evacuation center at Martinez City Hall, where Red Cross volunteers provided meals.
The fire was battled by 200 firefighters and 50 trucks. Mop-up operations continued Saturday.
In addition to the two injured firefighters, who were released from the hospital Saturday, several residents complained of minor smoke inhalation.
The cause remains under investigation.
Hot, windy conditions throughout June have recently fanned wildfires around the San Francisco Bay area.
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