Fire sparked by plane crash threatens 650 homes

Calmer weather on Monday was aiding firefighters battling a wildfire that was ignited by a deadly plane crash and has forced residents in about 650 homes in this mountain community to flee. Forecasters had predicted 10- to 15 mph winds — similar to conditions that fanned the blaze after the single-engine Cessna went down near Tehachapi on Sunday. However, winds were fairly calm and favorable for crews at the fire, which has burned more than 7 square miles or 4,700 acres, Kern County fire department spokesman Cary Wright said.