Central California Wildfire Destroys 34 Homes, Forces 350 To Evacuate

Firefighters scrambled on Thursday to contain a deadly wildfire that has forced the evacuation of hundreds of residents and gutted dozens of homes near the coast of central California. Ten percent of the so-called Soberanes Fire had been brought under control but a larger swathe of flames was threatening some 2,000 properties after destroying 34 homes and 10 outbuildings between Big Sur and the scenic coastal town of Carmel-by-the-Sea since it erupted on Friday, officials said. The blaze burned through drought-stricken chaparral, tall grass and timber in its march through over 23,500 acres (9,510 hectares) at the edge of the Los Padres National Forest, where 350 residents have been evacuated, according to fire officials.