The Sacramento region is in for a windy Labor Day, with gusts reaching 35 to 45 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
"We've got some pretty gusty winds across the valley right now," said forecaster George Cline, and conditions are expected to stay breezy until around sunset.
Coming after a dry spring and summer, wind can pose an added fire risk. On Sunday, winds helped spread a blaze that broke out around 4 p.m. in scenic Hope Valley south of Lake Tahoe, near the junction of highways 88 and 89.
The fire spread quickly through heavy timber and brush, forcing the evacuation of campgrounds and mountain resorts near the Nevada-California line.
It was slowed down overnight by near freezing temperatures, and was 30 percent contained early today at around 150 acres, said fire spokesman Mark Struble.
The cause is under investigation.
Call Carrie Peyton Dahlberg, (916) 321-1086.
