BELDEN, Calif. (AP) - Dry conditions and rocky terrain are hampering efforts to contain a fire in the Plumas National Forest in Northern California that threatened dozens of structures, including trailer homes for a time.
Fire officials said Thursday the Chips Fire near Belden about 120 miles north of Sacramento has consumed almost four square miles since it began July 29. It is 5 percent contained.
High temperatures, low humidity and strong winds fueled the fire on Wednesday, more than doubling its size.
There is controlled traffic on about 3 miles of Highway 70 as the fire is now close to the road.
Meanwhile, another fire to the west in the Plumas National Forest has been fully contained. The Peak Fire near Beckwourth consumed one and a quarter square miles.
The Associated Press