July 6, UPDATE - 9:25 p.m.
(AP) -- A rural fire in Yolo County raged throughout the night, challenging firefighters as temperatures rise.
State fire spokesman Daniel Berlant said Sunday that the so-called Monticello Fire grew in size to 6,488 acres, and firefighters have it 30 percent contained. A day earlier, the Yolo County fire had burned 5,000 acres.
Berlant says firefighters on Saturday working on the southeast shore of Lake Berryessa defended a neighborhood of 40 homes from the flames.
According to Calfire, an evacuation order for the Golden Bear Estates has been lifted but road closures are still in effect on Highway 128 from Highway 121 to Pleasant Valley Road except to residents.
More than 1,200 firefighters are now battling the wildfire.
In Southern California, Berlant says firefighters expect to have a blaze near the mountain town of Julian fully contained today.
According to Calfire:
The fire is burning in grassy oak woodland transitioning to heavy brush, in higher elevations. The 7000 acre estimate could change due to better mapping. There is a potential for extreme growth. Firefighters will be challenged working in steep rugged terrain, with difficult access in the remote mountain range of Yolo County. Firefighters will be deploying aggressive air and ground strategies. Firefighters are focusing on building control lines around the Golden Bear Estates residential area. Heavy smoke is visible throughout the valley.
More updates from Calfire here.
July 5, 7 p.m.
A wildfire that has burned 5,000 acres in Yolo County prompted evacuations Saturday.
According to Calfire,the Monticello Fire began Friday at about 9:30 p.m.
Activity around the fire increased significantly throughout Saturday, Calfire said. Firefighters are focusing on building control lines around Golden Bear Estates, which is under mandatory evacuation orders.
The wildfire is burning in an area that is extremely rugged and steep and heavy smoke has been reported in the area, according to Calfire.
An evacuation shelter was set up at the Winters Community Center. There are 350 firefighters battling the blaze.
The wildfire created hazy conditions throughout the Sacramento Valley, according to the National Weather service.
More updates from Calfire here.
-Capital Public Radio Staff
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