LOS ANGELES — A fast-moving brush fire burning north of Napa Valley that has destroyed structures swelled to 8,000 acres Thursday, prompting 500 people to evacuate.
The Rocky fire began at 4:10 p.m. near Morgan Valley and Rocky Creek roads, 62 miles north of Napa and traveled at a rapid rate, spreading into heavy brush and woodlands, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
As flames consumed trees, embers flew miles ahead and pushed the fire forward, fire officials said. Residents along Morgan Valley Road were ordered to evacuate and seek shelter at a nearby senior center.
Fire officials said flames destroyed several outbuildings.
The blaze is one of 14 large wildfires burning in California.
Hot temperatures and gusty winds allowed fire activity to pick up Wednesday afternoon in Northern California.