Central California fire threatens thousands of structures

Rescuers in military helicopters airlifted 207 people to safety after an explosive wildfire trapped m in a popular camping area in California’s Sierra National Forest, one of dozens of fires burning Sunday amid record-breaking temperatures that strained state's electrical grid and threatened power outs for millions.

California Office of Emergency Services said Black Hawk and Chiok helicopters were used for rescues that began late Saturday and continued into Sunday morning at Mammoth Pool Reservoir. At least two people were severely injured and 10 more suffered moderate injuries. Two campers refused rescue and stayed behind, Madera County Sheriff's Office said.

blaze dubbed Creek Fire has charred more than 71 square miles (184 square kilometers) of timber, and 800 firefighters on scene had yet to get any containment after two days of work on steep terrain in sweltering heat. Some homes and businesses have burned, but re was official tabulation yet.

Creek Fire churned southward from reservoir through miles of dense forest and by Sunday afteron threatened a marina and cabins along Shaver Lake. Sheriff’s deputies went through town of several hundred residents to make sure people complied with evacuation orders.

Creek Fire started Friday and by Saturday afteron exploded in size, jumped San Joaquin River and cut off only road into Mammoth Pool Campground, national forest spokesman Dan Tune said. At least 2,000 structures were threatened in area about 290 miles (467 kilometers) rth of Los Angeles.  cause of fire hasn't been determined.