Lightning storms could spark more wildfires in California

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (AP) — The fire burning outside Yosemite National Park destroyed 28 homes — seven more than previously thought, state fire officials reported Tuesday.

Officials said they revised the number after crews were able to go in and more accurately survey the damage. The blaze, which was started July 25 by a target shooter, was 95% contained by Tuesday, and no additional structures were at risk.

Meanwhile, a storm front forecast to move into California left fire officials worried that stronger winds and more lightning will spark new blazes and make fighting the remaining ones around the state harder.

A wildfire that threatened a number of homes in rural Butte County was only 30% contained, although crews hoped to have it completely surrounded by Tuesday night. The 1,000-acre blaze led to the evacuation of residents living between the middle and southern forks of the Feather River, which feeds into Lake Oroville.

That fire, which began Sunday, already has destroyed one home and damaged a barn.

To the south, a 230-acre fire burning in the Inyo National Forest near Mammoth Lakes was 5% contained Tuesday morning.

New resources were streaming into the region to help out, including 295 firefighters, five air tankers and six helicopters, fire officials said.

No evacuations had been ordered.

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