Jerusalem fire raging in Northern California, chars 3,000 acres

A rapidly spreading wildfire north of Napa Valley tore through 3,000 acres Sunday afternoon and forced nearby residents to evacuate, authorities said. The fire was 0% contained.

Dubbed the Jerusalem fire for its proximity to Jerusalem Road in Lake County, the blaze erupted just after 3:30 p.m., according to the California Dept. of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Firefighters from the nearby Rocky fire, the largest of more than a dozen wildfires across the state, have been diverted to combat the latest blaze, which is burning through dense, steep brushland about seven miles northeast of Middletown, according to Cal Fire.

Those living in Jerusalem Valley east of Spruce Grove are under a mandatory evacuation order. Officials have shut down Jerusalem Valley Road at Spruce Grove Road, Cal Fire said. An evacuation center has opened at Middletown High School.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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