Tuesday, July 7th

California firefighters battle flames north and south

A firefighter moves a fence post while battling the Crews Fire near Gilroy, Calif., on Sunday, July 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

GILROY, Calif. (AP) - California firefighters battled large wildfires in Santa Clara and Los Angeles counties on Monday.

A fire that has burned more than 8.4 square miles (21.8 square kilometers) north of Gilroy was 20% contained after burning two buildings and prompting the evacuation of about 70 people, fire officials said.

A firefighter received minor injuries.

In north Los Angeles County, firefighters gained nearly 50% containment of a 2.3-square-mile (6-square-kilometer) fire near Agua Dulce. The spread of the blaze was halted, fire officials said.

On Sunday, the fire disrupted travel on State Route 14 and authorities set up an evacuation area where residents were instructed to remain in their cars. Those evacuations were later lifted.

There's no immediate word on what sparked the fires but fireworks were suspected in a handful of smaller fires up and down the state that were quickly doused.

Firefighters douse hot spots along Agua Dulce Canyon road Monday, July 6, 2020, in Agua Dulce, Calif. The Soledad fire which broke out Sunday afternoon has scorched 1300 acres and is now 30% contained as firefighters and hand crews work through high temperatures to make sure the flames are contained. (David Crane/The Orange County Register via AP)

Firefighter Daniel Abarado lights a backfire while working to contain the Crews Fire from near Gilroy, Calif., on Sunday, July 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

The Crews Fire burns near Gilroy, Calif., Sunday, July 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Firefighter Daniel Abarado lights a backfire while working to contain the Crews Fire from near Gilroy, Calif., on Sunday, July 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Firefighters battle the Crews Fire along Canada Road near Gilroy, Calif., Sunday, July 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

A wildfire burns along Canada Road near Gilroy, Calif., Sunday, July 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

A livestock trailer drives along Canada Road as the Crews Fire burns near Gilroy, Calif., on Sunday, July 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Hand crews climb rugged terrain along Agua Dulce Canyon road Monday, July 6, 2020, in Agua Dulce, Calf. The Soledad fire which broke out Sunday afternoon has scorched 1300 acres and is now 30% contained as firefighters and hand crews work through high temperatures to make sure the flames are contained. (David Crane/The Orange County Register via AP)

A freeway sign along the Antelope Valley freeway is seen where the Soledad fire has now scorched 1,300 acres, Monday, July 6, 2020. The Soledad fire which broke out Sunday afternoon is now 30% contained as firefighters and hand crews work through high temperatures to make sure the flames are contained. (David Crane/The Orange County Register/SCNG via AP)

Hand crews climb rugged terrain along Agua Dulce Canyon road Monday, July 6, 2020, in Agua Dulce, Calif. The Soledad fire which broke out Sunday afternoon has scorched 1300 acres and is now 30% contained as firefighters and hand crews work through high temperatures to make sure the flames are contained. (David Crane/The Orange County Register via AP)