GALLERY: Hundreds forced to flee as raging wildfires continue in California
On Monday, a wildfire some 140 miles northeast of San Francisco more than doubled in size, to 8,600 acres, forcing the evacuation of some 250 homes, firefighters said.
More than 1,000 firefighters were battling the 8,600-acre blaze in dense forest and steep terrain in El Dorado County.
By that same evening, the fire was threatening some 500 homes, according to the Sacramento Bee newspaper.
Temperatures in central California rose to nearly 104 degree Fahrenheit (40 Celsius) over the weekend, as part of a heatwave.
California often faces powerful fires in the summer and fall.
The extreme drought in recent months has increased the risk of more blazes breaking out this year.
Photos: AFP, Reuters
Sources: AFP, Reuters, Sacramento Bee
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