REDDING, Calif., Aug. 16 (UPI) -- Nearly 4,000 firefighters battled two blazes in Shasta County, Calif., that covered more than 18,000 acres and destroyed more than 130 homes and businesses.
The Bear Fire, which burned 10,500 acres and destroyed more than 100 buildings, was 95 percent contained by late Sunday night, but the French Fire near the historic town of French Gulf was only 10 percent contained after having burned nearly 8,000 acres and annihilating 20 homes, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
Firefighting efforts are hindered in both blazes by sky-high temperatures, steep hills, gusting winds and rampant rattlesnakes.
Hundreds of residents have been evacuated from the area. Officials expect to have both fires contained by Monday night.
