Favorable weather helps fight against California forest fire

JACKSON, Calif. -- Favorable weather early Wednesday aided the fight against a wildfire in California's Gold Country that has forced evacuations in two counties.

The Electra Fire had burned 6.4 square miles of rural terrain but it was now 40% contained without any buildings burned, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reported.

In addition, about 17% of the fire's was declared controlled, meaning there wasn't any smoke or any hotspots within the fire perimeter in that area, Cal Fire said.

"Humidity recovery in the early morning hours moderated fire activity," Cal Fire said.

Some evacuation orders were lifted.

A helicopter drops water while battling the Electra Fire on Tuesday in the Pine Acres community of Amador County, California.Noah Berger ~ Associated Press

The fire erupted Monday afternoon in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, forcing evacuations in Amador neighboring Calaveras counties. However, some Amador County evacuations were downgraded to warnings on Wednesday.

Cal Fire said the number of threatened structures remained at 1,217 but there were no reports of structures destroyed or damaged. One firefighter has been injured.

The National Weather Service said overnight infrared satellite imagery showed a "waning heat signature" from the fire as relative humidity levels reached 75% to 90% and northerly winds were generally light. Westerly breezes were expected by afternoon.

The fire started at a recreation area along a river where people were celebrating July Fourth. The cause remained under investigation, but Amador County Sheriff Gary Redman has said the location could suggest fireworks or a barbecue as a cause.