Winds Push California Fire to 20 Square Miles

TEHACHAPI, Calif. – Firefighters have been able to contain 40 percent of a fire burning more than 13,000 acres and threatening 650 homes near Tehachapi in Kern County.

Canyon Fire Incident spokesman Ian MacDonald says favorable winds have been blowing the fire toward already charred land instead of a rugged, fuel-dense area to the northwest.

The fire started Sunday when a single-engine Cessna crashed in the remote area. At least two people are confirmed dead in the crash.

MacDonald says two firefighters have been injured and 1,255 personnel have been deployed to battle flames

Twelve homes and 18 outbuildings have been destroyed in the fire. About 200 homes have been ordered evacuated.