California fire erupts overnight; consumes town

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. - An untamed Northern California wildfire that has forced chaotic evacuations, consumed hundreds of homes and businesses, and outrun the efforts of a growing army of firefighters to corral it was 5 percent contained Monday morning, officials said.

The Valley fire in Lake County has spread along two fronts to burn 61,000 acres, or 95 square miles, said an official with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire.

Sheriff Brian Martin described the fire as “the worst tragedy Lake County has ever seen.”

Investigators were trying to confirm a report that a civilian had died, according to Cal Fire.

Four firefighters injured early in the fight were in stable condition, state fire officials said. More than 1,400 firefighters have been deployed.