California wildfires rage on, nearly 300 buildings threatened

SANTA CRUZ, California (AP) – Authorities say at least 300 buildings are threatened by a growing wildfire in California’s Santa Cruz Mountains.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said Tuesday that the blaze in a rugged area about 30 miles south of San Jose has destroyed one home, damaged another structure and

charred more than 1½  square miles of dry brush and timber.

It’s unclear if the threatened buildings were homes or smaller structures. The flames also are burning close to television and radio towers.

Hundreds of people were evacuated after the fire broke out Monday amid a heat wave, and more residents were ordered to leave as the flames spread overnight.

More than 500 firefighters are battling the blaze, which is 5 percent contained.