( CNN ) Mandatory evacuations were in effect overnight for those in danger because of a Northern California wildfire , which has already destroyed five homes and is threatening 1,000 more , a state fire spokesman said . The Applegate Fire -- centered in Placer County , about 40 miles northeast up Interstate 80 from Sacramento -- had burned 420 acres and was 20 % contained as of late Thursday afternoon , according to Cal Fire 's website . It is not expected to abate much until at least Friday . `` We do not have containment on the lines that could affect structures , and we have downed power lines , '' Cal Fire spokeswoman Joann Cartoscelli said , explaining why the evacuations will continue through the night . `` We do n't want to put firefighters or the public at risk . '' Five homes in the small community of Applegate have been destroyed , and many more are at risk . That 's why evacuation orders have gone out to those living on dozens of roads in the area , and three evacuation shelters -- two in Auburn and one in Colfax -- have been set for those with nowhere else to go . Cartoscelli said the threatened residences are `` primary residences , not vacation homes . '' The blaze has also affected I-80 , which had one lane open eastbound in the hardest hit area as of late Thursday afternoon . Pilot dies in air tanker crash while fighting fire at Yosemite . According to Cal Fire , more than 1,200 personnel are devoted to fighting the blaze . They have a lot of tools at their disposal , including 128 fire engines , 18 dozers and seven helicopters . Those in the affected area should see sunny skies , a high temperature of 79 degrees and likely shifting winds of 5 to 7 mph , according to the National Weather Service . Placer County is also in the middle of a major drought , which often means more dry , incendiary material to fuel a wildfire . That 's true for much of California , with U.S. Drought Monitor showing that more than half the state -- including the location of the Applegate Fire -- is experiencing `` exceptional drought . '' What to know about wildfires .
Applegate Fire in California , California , has burned 79 degrees , is 20 % contained . Authorities issue mandatory evacuations for 1,000 of `` primary residences '' in the area . Fire spokesman : `` We do not have containment on the lines that could affect structures '' The area , like most of Placer County , is experiencing `` exceptional drought ''