The Latest: Central California fire threatens 300 homes

SAN FRANCISCO – The Latest on wildfires burning in California (all times local):

3:40 p.m.

Fire officials say a wildfire burning in central California that is threatening 300 hundred structures and power lines that supply electricity to Yosemite National Park.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection says the blaze near Lake McClure, a reservoir about 50 miles (80 kilometres) east of Modesto, is 5 per cent contained.

It has scorched 24 square miles (62 square kilometres) since Sunday afternoon.

Officials have ordered evacuations for an unknown number of homes. The fire has destroyed one home and damaged another.

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

To the south, crews have increased containment of a 28-square-mile (72-square-kilometre) blaze burning for a 10th day in the mountains of Santa Barbara County. It is 62 per cent contained after destroying 16 homes.

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7:23 p.m.

A wildfire burning in central California has grown, threatening several hundred structures.

Firefighters are battling the blaze near Lake McClure, a reservoir about 50 miles (80 kilometres) east of Modesto.

The fire has scorched 24 square miles (62 square kilometres) since Sunday afternoon.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection says the fire is being fueled by hot weather, heavy brush and tall grass.

Officials have ordered evacuations for an unknown number of homes. The fire has destroyed one structure and damaged another.

No one has been reported injured.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

To the south, crews have increased containment of a 28-square-mile (72-square-kilometre) blaze burning for a 10th day in the mountains of Santa Barbara County. It is 62 per cent contained after destroying 16 homes.