Teams Assess Damage as California Wildfire Grows

POLLOCK PINES, Calif. (AP) — Officials say assessment teams will be checking to see how many structures have been destroyed or damaged from a massive wildfire that is threatening thousands of homes in Northern California.

Fire spokesman Mike McMillian said Saturday that officials have confirmed that several structures have been lost due to the King Fire, but they do not know exactly how many due to the still fast-moving blaze which began one week ago.

McMillian says the fire spread another 6 square miles overnight as nearly 5,000 firefighters are battling the blaze that's not only consuming grass and brush but stretches of tall timber as well.

The blaze has driven 2,800 people from their homes and consumed about 126 square miles. It is 10 percent contained.

A man accused of setting the blaze has pleaded not guilty to arson charges. He's being held on $10 million bail.