Firefighters gain ground as Northern California wildfire grows

Though the flames were contained, firefighters were monitoring the burning train trestle for additional collapse, which could ignite another fire in the surrounding brush, the statement said. They are expected to be assigned to fight fires in Montana. Officials say the fire has been 70 percent contained and full containment is expected by Friday.

“We made great progress and that allowed us to move those resources and personnel” said Daniel Berlant, a spokesman for California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Temperatures have been relatively mild, but the gusty winds and dry conditions have stoked the wildfires.

On Monday, the fire moved to within five miles of Berryessa Estates, a 180-home subdivision along Putah Creek north of Lake Berryessa, prompting fire officials to put together an evacuation plan in case the situation worsened.

About 2,000 firefighters took a stand against the flames – most reassigned from the first fire that destroyed 43 homes and charred 109 square miles. It leapt from Lake County into Napa County, but no vineyards were threatened in the famous wine-growing region. Erratic winds are contributing to the increased fire activity and promoting high intensity uphill runs with short range spotting.

Elsewhere in the country, evacuations were ordered in northern Idaho and a massive fire straddling the Idaho-Oregon border grew to 340 square miles.

According to the station, Silva was booked into Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility on charges of causing a fire to a structure and/or forest.

The decision means additional assistance from the military and global help can be requested.