Ellington

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Officials say crews battling a massive wildfire in Northern California are facing the potential of strong, erratic winds similar to when the blaze doubled in size a week ago.

State fire Capt. Tom Piranio said Monday that the more than 5,000 firefighters working on the King Fire are also dealing with warmer temperatures and low humidity in addition to the possibility of winds up to 30 mph that could increase fire activity.

The fire east of Sacramento has scorched 137 square miles, an increase of about 9 square miles despite crews making some progress on Sunday.

The fire has has destroyed 10 homes and 22 outbuildings in the White Meadows area of Pollock Pines and continues to threaten about 21,000 structures, more than half of them homes.

The fire is 18 percent contained.