California wildfire shows explosive growth

Pollock Pines - An out-of-control wildfire that is threatening more than 2 000 homes in Northern California is showing explosive growth, consuming tens of thousands of additional acres.

State fire officials say the fire east of Sacramento had burned through 287km² as of Thursday morning, up from 114km² the day before when it forced additional evacuations. It is only 5% contained.

The fire is burning north of Pollock Pines, which is about 100km outside Sacramento. Many of the threatened homes are under mandatory evacuation orders.

Fire crews might get some help from the weather on Thursday, with the forecast calling for higher humidity and the possibility of rain.