Blazes in multiple states threaten houses and cause evacuations.
By Vignesh Ramachandran
As a flurry of wildfires rage across the Western United States, firefighters on Monday were trying to gain control of the 15,000-acre Ponderosa fire in Northern California that began over the weekend.
Firefighters have only been able to contain five percent of the blaze, which is burning across both Tehama and Shasta counties.
The fire began on Saturday after lighting strikes hit the densely forested area about 170 miles north of Sacramento, according to The Associated Press. So far, it has engulfed more than 23 square miles near the Northern Californian towns of Manton, Shingletown and Viola, AP reported.
Seven structures have been destroyed. CAL FIRE spokesman Daniel Berlant said at least 3,000 homes remain threatened along with more than 300 other structures, AP said.
The fire forced the closure of Highway 44 and some local roads and prompted the sheriff to declare a State of Emergency for Shasta County. The Red Cross set up an evacuation center in Redding.
John Cluff, 42, told the Redding Searchlight that he was forced to flee his home before the evacuations were issued. He went back for his dog about 3:30 p.m. "The fire basically chased me out of the property," he said. "All I could see was black smoke and flames."?
As the fire expands to the east and west, shifting wind direction in the afternoon hours poses a challenge for firefighters. More than 1,400 fire personnel, 122 fire engines, 2 helicopters and 47 dozers are helping out.
Wildfires are also burning all across the rest of the West.
Washington?
Good weather over the weekend helped firefighters battle the 23,225-acre Taylor Bridge Wildfire?about 75 miles east of Seattle,?near Cle Elum in central Washington state. Thought it was only 47 percent contained on Monday, authorities expect to have full containment by Tuesday, Seattle's NBC-affiliate KING 5 reported.
About 60 homes still remain?threatened?by this fire, which began on Aug. 13. It has already destroyed 48 homes and 15 outbuildings.
Idaho
About 1,100 firefighters are working to protect around 350 homes threatened by the Trinity Ridge Fire on Monday, NBCLosAngeles.com reported. The blaze is threatening the mountain town of Featherville, Idaho, about 50 miles east of Boise.
Related: Idaho town emptied as state's worst wildfire nears
Officials say this fire is expected to reach the Featherville area, where residents evacuated on Saturday due to "imminent danger."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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