Wildfire in Northern California destroys 5 homes, forces evacuation of 250 rural homes

7/26/2014
ASSOCIATED PRESS

PLYMOUTH, Calif. — A wildfire in Northern California has destroyed five homes and several other structures near vineyards in the Sierra Foothills.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection says the Sand Fire had burned about 1,300 acres near the border of Amador and El Dorado counties. It was about 20 percent contained Saturday morning.

CalFire officials say the fire has led to the evacuation of about 750 people from 250 homes.

Officials have set up evacuation center at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds and closed a stretch of Sand Ridge Road.

The wildfire is burning in steep, rugged terrain near vineyards in the Shenandoah Valley.

CalFire officials say the fire broke out shortly before 5 p.m. Friday in a riverbed north of the town of Plymouth. The cause is under investigation.