June 27, 2008

BIG SUR, Calif. (AP) -- Fire engines are standing guard next to rustic buildings in a scenic California tourist town.

Flames from a huge wildfire continue to burn through Los Padres National Forest. And they're inching toward the coastal community of Big Sur. The fire is just three percent contained. It's burned nearly 37 square miles, and it's destroyed 16 homes since it broke out on Saturday.

Authorities are asking residents to evacuate 75 homes along a ridge that's threatened by the blaze. In all, about 500 homes are in danger.

Thick smoke and ash are drifting over the Pacific.

About 20 miles to the east, another fire -- the state's biggest -- is continuing to frustrate firefighters. It's burned more than 90 square miles and two homes. That blaze is about 70 percent contained.

An electrical storm last weekend brought thousands of lightning strikes that sparked about 800 fires across northern California.

(Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved.)