The Latest: Unruly Northern California wildfire grows again as weary firefighters take stand

A firefighter watches a backfire as the Rocky Fire burns near Clearlake, Calif., on Monday, Aug. 3, 2015. The fire has charred more than 60,000 acres and destroyed at least 24 residences. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson) (The Associated Press)

prev next

CalFire firefighter Bo Santiago lights a backfire as the Rocky fire burns near Clearlake, Calif., on Monday, Aug. 3, 2015. The fire has charred more than 60,000 acres and destroyed at least 24 residences. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson) (The Associated Press)

A plume of smoke rises above a hillside as the Rocky Fire burns near Clearlake, Calif., on Monday, Aug. 3, 2015. The fire has charred more than 60,000 acres and destroyed at least 24 residences. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson) (The Associated Press)

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The latest on wildfires burning in California (all times local):

8:10 a.m.

An unruly wildfire in drought-stricken Northern California has grown to more than 101 square miles despite thousands of weary firefighters working to stem its spread.

They tried to stand their ground Tuesday against the blaze that jumped a highway that had served as a containment line and grew by several square miles despite cooler weather and higher humidity.

No additional homes were consumed outside the two dozen already destroyed in the Lower Lake area, about 100 miles north of San Francisco. But more buildings such as barns, sheds and garages have burned.

Authorities have required or urged 13,000 people to leave some 5,500 homes.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection says the flames are pushing north and chewing through parched brush that hasn't burned in years.

The fire is just 12 percent contained since starting Wednesday.