SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – Coming winds and warmer temperatures brought worries that progress made in slowing the growth of a massive wildfire in Northern California could be undone.
On the heels of cooler, wetter conditions around the King Fire east of Sacramento that has burned 137 square miles and destroyed 10 homes, Tuesday is expected to bring winds up to 30 mph and low humidity that could bring a new surge.
“This could set up some potential fire growth similar to what we experienced when it grew exponentially last week,” said state fire spokesman Capt. Tom Piranio. “We are working very aggressively to maintain the contingency lines.”
A red flag warning of very high fire danger has been issued Tuesday and Wednesday and could bring even greater gusts.
“It’s definitely going to pose a challenge to the control lines the firefighters have created,” said Holly Osbourne, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Sacramento. She said Thursday will bring a slight chance for rain.