California wildfire burns 22,500 acres, just 5 percent contained

CLEAR LAKE, Calif. -- The Rocky Fire in Lake County near Clear Lake is burning out of control, charring more than 22,500 acres. It is still just five percent contained.

Erratic winds stirred up flames that threatened to jump Morgan Valley Road. This is where most of the evacuations took place and this is where several engine crews from Southern California made their stand.

"You see those power lines, right above my right shoulder. It's obviously a great danger on the ground here. So we're protecting these power lines by keeping hose lines in place," Monterey Park Fire Dept. Capt. Neil Lakin said.

VIDEO: Fire crews protect power lines from Rocky Fire

The last air drop of the night left these crews defending the road and the power lines without air support.

Another 5,000 acres burned there on Saturday.

"It's like being in another world. It's the smells, the embers. It's still burning here," Lake County resident Joan Jacobs said.

PHOTOS: Smoke from Lower Lake area wildfire seen for miles

Meanwhile, a second fire is burning northeast toward the city of Lower Lake. It prompted more evacuations and the opening of another shelter in nearby Kelseyville.

"There's been some advisories. A lot of my friends in Lower Lake and Morgan Road and all those guys have gotten evacuated, so we're just on standby," resident John Brown said.

"We're in the set mode right now. You should be ready to evacuate. It shouldn't be any surprise if you get the phone call or the knock on the door," Cal Fire spokesperson Capt. Ron Oatman said.

Now firefighters are hoping the nighttime humidity and lower temperatures will last long enough for them to gain a much-needed advantage.