Fast-growing wildfire forces evacuations near the town of Weaverville in Northern California

WEAVERVILLE, Calif. – A fast-growing wildfire in Northern California has forced the evacuation of about 150 homes near of the historic town of Weaverville.

State fire spokesman Daniel Berlant says the fire was sparked Sunday afternoon near a highway west of Weaverville. It rapidly grew to a little more than 1 square mile, or 650 acres.

Berlant said gusty winds and extremely dry conditions were fueling the flames.

He said 150 homes north of the town were threatened by the fire.

Firefighters were hampered by the winds and the steep terrain.

Weaverville is at the base of the Trinity Alps Wilderness area in Trinity County.