Firefighters Advance on California Blaze That’s Destroyed 200 Homes

Fire crews are making inroads against a raging wildfire in central California that has claimed two lives and destroyed 200 homes.

Roughly 2,000 firefighters were battling the blaze, according to officials.

Federal fire officials said Sunday evening that containment on the 68-square-mile blaze increased from 10 percent to 40 percent.

The death toll stood at two, but officials warned that it might rise. Cadaver dogs were being brought in Sunday to search for remains.

Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency, freeing up money and resources to fight the fire and to clean up in the aftermath. The Federal Emergency Management Agency also authorized the use of funds for firefighting efforts, fire officials said.

The fire tore through small communities of houses and mobile homes that surround the Lake Isabella and the Kern River, a popular spot for fishing and whitewater rafting.