Fire Caused by Mower Destroys at Least 40 Homes

SHASTA LAKE, Calif. - A fast-growing wildfire started by sparks from a lawn mower destroyed at least 40 homes near the eastern edge of Shasta Lake, forcing hundreds of people to flee.

The blaze scorched 3,000 acres by Thursday morning, said Kevin Colburn, spokesman for the state forestry department. The fire was 40 percent contained, but a shift in the wind overnight pushed the fire southward, he said.

Sixty-four structures burned, at least 40 of which were residences, fire officials said.

More than 300 people were evacuated and a shelter was set up at a nearby school. Five people suffered minor injuries.

Alphonso and Shelley Barrera were forced to leave their new home so quickly they left their dog behind.

"The flames were about 50 feet high; they were coming through the ravine," Alphonso Barrera said.

The fire spread from 100 acres to 800 acres in less than four hours Wednesday, branching toward the Silverthorn Resort on the southeast end of Lake Shasta.

Sue Collins, Silverthorn's manager, said fire officials evacuated about 150 people from the area near the marina. Some were taken by boat to another marina, she said, while others moved to a dock away from fuel tanks.

The resort, which includes cabins, a small restaurant and 54 houseboats, had a view of the flames, Collins said.

"It was real close," she said. "We are out of danger now, but there's always a possibility that the wind will change again."