Sierra Nevada wildfire threatens small rural communities

BRIDGEPORT, Calif. (AP) — California authorities say a Sierra Nevada wildfire has destroyed one building and is a threat to 250 homes and other structures. Cal Fire says the Rices Fire has grown to about 900 acres near the Yuba River in Nevada County and was only 10% contained Wednesday. Five firefighters have been injured fighting the blaze, which erupted Tuesday afternoon and spread through dry vegetation and drought-stressed trees. A half-dozen small communities are under evacuation orders and evacuation warnings have been issued in parts of neighboring Yuba County. On the central coast, the 375-acre Camino Fire in San Luis Obispo County is 45% contained and no structures are threatened. Cal Fire says that fire was ignited by a vehicle’s catalytic converter.