BANNING, Calif. (AP) — Authorities say a malfunctioning diesel vehicle sparked the first big Southern California wildfire of the year, which has forced thousands of people from their homes east of Los Angeles.
State fire officials say the vehicle's exhaust system spewed burning carbon Friday in Cherry Valley in Riverside County, although it hasn't been found.
The blaze, being called the Apple Fire, is raging for a fourth day and has burned one home.
As of Monday, the wildfire had burned nearly 27,000 acres and was only 7% contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The Apple Fire is one of several burning around the state amid sweltering temperatures. Evacuations were ordered for a blaze in Colusa County in Northern California. Another fire in San Luis Obispo County is 60% contained.
