Massive Calif. wildfire grows to 47,000 acres, just 5 percent contained

CLEAR LAKE, Calif. -- The massive Rocky Fire burning in Lake County near Clear Lake, Calif. continues to grow. Two dozen homes have been destroyed and thousands more are in danger.

The blaze has grown to 47,000 acres and is still only five percent contained. Over 12,000 people have been evacuated.

PHOTOS: Smoke from Lower Lake area wildfire seen for miles

The Rocky Fire is the largest of the 21 major fires burning in Northern California and can be summed up as unpredictable.

"One day it was blowing to the west, another day it was blowing to the east. This has really been a tough fight," Rocky Fire spokesperson Paul Lowenthal said.

As the fire makes its way towards a major thoroughfare in Lake County, officials are stepping up an advisory to a mandatory evacuation for a dozen homes. Also, Highway 20 from Highway 16 to Highway 53 is closed.

Placerville resident Missi Clarke drove to the area to help her friend pack and now finds herself stuck. "You could see the fire just at the crest of the hill. I tried to get back out in time and that fire was just too quick," she said.

Weather conditions that were expected to help have not.

"Even with a little bit cooler temperatures and higher humidities, look at what we have right now. We have active, extreme fire behavior," Lowenthal said.

While crews are surprised by how hard the fire is pushing, they say they are prepared. "As needs arise, more resources come in. They get moved around the incident," he added.

VIDEO: Fire crews protect power lines from Rocky Fire

There are 1,500 firefighters from all over the state battling this blaze, and there is a strong aerial fight as well.

Firefighters are pre-treating the ridge line with retardant so if the fire bumps into it, it won't go anywhere.

"It's a beautiful country. It's nice out here but, at the same time, it's dangerous," Lowenthal said.

They're left documenting the fire's path, trying to anticipate where it will move next.