The Latest: Crews gain ground on Sierra Nevada foothills fire; 2 killed in California blaze
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The latest on wildfires raging in drought-stricken California (all times local):
7:10 a.m.
Fire crews gained ground on a fire in Amador and Calaveras counties that has burned 110 square miles. It was 60 percent contained Friday after destroying 252 homes and leaving at least two people dead.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Calaveras County coroner Kevin Raggio said two bodies were found inside homes destroyed in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
The Sacramento Bee reports that one was identified as 66-year-old Mark McCloud, who was found Tuesday in the Mountain Ranch area. Raggio said 82-year-old Owen Goldsmith was found in his home, also in Mountain Ranch.
Sgt. Anthony Eberhardt of the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office said both lived in areas where mandatory evacuation calls were issued. More than 4,300 firefighters are on the frontlines fighting the stubborn blaze.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A separate Northern California wildfire is blamed for three more deaths.