Containment Up On Fire That Destroyed 40 Homes in California

Fire crews have increased containment of a wind-driven wildfire that destroyed 40 homes, but say they don't know yet when residents evacuated from two small California towns at the eastern base of the Sierra Nevada will be able to return home.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Capt. Liz Brown says dozens of power poles have come down in the communities of Swall Meadows and Paradise, creating hazards for the roughly 250 residents who have been evacuated. Crews were assessing trees in the two communities on Sunday to ensure they wouldn't come down.

The fire started near a highway on the border of Inyo and Mono counties Friday afternoon. It blew up when 50 to 75 mph winds whipped through wooded areas near the two communities.

Crews have since gained the upper hand on the blaze, which was 65 percent contained.