Evacuations as fire spreads near Northern California river

FORESTHILL, Calif. (AP) – Officials say evacuations are underway at a rural subdivision 50 miles northeast of Sacramento as a wildfire climbs out of a steep canyon along the Middle Fork of the American River.

Placer County Sheriff’s spokeswoman Dena Erwin says homes near Todd Valley between Foresthill and Auburn are being evacuated as a 20-acre fire grows.

She did not know how many homes are affected, but says the fire is approaching a subdivision with large lots and a scattered population.

The fire began Tuesday afternoon in El Dorado County before jumping the river and climbing out of the canyon.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection spokeswoman Lynnette Round says firefighters in the air and on the ground are working in 101-degree heat.

No injuries or structure damage have been reported.