Calif. fire grows slightly, threatens homes

LAKE ISABELLA, Calif. (AP) — A smoky wildfire burning near homes in the southern Sierra Nevada west of California's Lake Isabella was holding steady today and crews expected to make significant progress before hotter, drier weather sets in later in the week.

Firefighters using air tankers and helicopters were battling the blaze, which has charred about 3.4 square miles of trees and brush in and around the Sequoia National Forest.

Flames being pushed by gusty winds from the west came within a mile of the mountain community of Wofford Heights and authorities called on residents of about a thousand threatened homes to evacuate. Dozens of people stayed at a Red Cross shelter overnight, the Forest Service reported.

At least two structures have burned, fire spokesman Jay Nichols said.

The Shirley Fire was 10 percent contained, but officials said that number was expected to grow throughout the day.

The fire broke out Friday night in remote area about 40 miles northeast of Bakersfield and exploded late Saturday as dry winds pushed the flames toward homes, prompting Kern County Sheriff's deputies to knock on doors into the night to urge residents to leave.