Wildfire destroys 40 homes in California's Sierra Nevada region

A wind-driven wildfire ripped through California’s Sierra Nevada region this weekend, charring several thousand acres of land and destroying as many as 40 homes, reports the Los Angeles Times. The  blaze, which has been named the Round fire, started Friday afternoon and continues to blaze, though latest reports say the fire is 75% contained.

Two towns in Sierra Nevada–located in the Northeastern part of the state, along the Nevada border–were completely evacuated. Residents of the towns Paradise and Swall Meadows told The Associated Press that the fire “hop-scotched” through the area, sparing some houses and engulfing others. Approximately 250 residents were forced to leave their homes and are staying in shelters until fire officials determine when it is safe for them to return.