California wildfire grows, makes runs overnight

Officials say a wildfire in a rural part of Northern California’s Napa County, that has damaged two homes and forced the evacuation of 200 others grew overnight, as crews struggled to get a handle on the flames in the steep terrain.

The fire had burned more than 6 1/2 square miles as of Thursday morning and grew 500 acres from the previous day. It’s 45 percent contained at more than 4,300 acres.

State fire spokeswoman Alicia Amaro said the fire made short runs uphill during the night.

The steep and rugged terrain has forced crews to build containment lines by hand without the help of bulldozers.

The fire has damaged two homes and seven outbuildings. It is not posing a threat to the region’s famous vineyards.

Hollister’s air attack base has sent one air tanker to assist.

Santa Cruz County Cal Fire has already sent four firefighters, but dispatched even more resources Thursday including two fire engines and two strike teams made up of 33 firefighters.

San Benito and Monterey County Cal Fire added two inmate hand crews in addition to the five engines from Wednesday.