A raging wildfire in Northern California has grown by about 3,000 acres on as firefighters fought to contain the blaze, which has already destroyed at least 22 homes and buildings, authorities said.
The Pawnee fire has burned at least 13,000 acres in Lake County, California, north of San Francisco, as high temperatures and windy conditions fanned the flames, fire officials said.
About 2,700 fire fighters have been deployed to the area, but the brutal weather conditions have made the fight difficult. The blaze was about 17 percent contained as of late Tuesday.
"The fire burned very actively throughout the day in the Spring Valley area, northeast of Clearlake Oaks in Lake County. The fire is being driven by low relative humidity, erratic winds, and above normal temperatures," the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said in a statement late Tuesday. "Expanded evacuation orders are in effect for the entire Spring Valley area and residents are reminded to heed all evacuation orders."
The inferno has destroyed 22 structures and damaged at least four others since it started Saturday evening. Officials say at least 600 homes, businesses and other buildings are at risk as the fire moves northeast.
More than 1,000 residents have been evacuated because of the fire.
"The firefighters – oh, my God -- the minute you think you're in danger, they are there," resident MaryAnne Silva told ABC News. "So thankful for them putting their lives on the line to keep us safe."
California Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency in the area Monday in an effort to help county officials recoup some of the costs of battling the fire.
The blaze had already caused power outages and road closures and could damage “critical infrastructure,” Brown said.
FEMA said it recently approved fire management grants to help with the cost of fighting the Pawnee Fire and the Creek Fire in Shasta County, California.