Western wildfires: Flames plague hot, dry Washington region

New flames ignited in drought-stricken Washington state, not far from where a destructive wildfire reduced homes to rubble.

The fire has charred more than 3 square miles of dry sagebrush and grass near the city of Quincy and destroyed five abandoned buildings or outbuildings, the Grant County sheriff's office said early Wednesday.

Investigators have ruled out natural causes, such as lightning, but they're still looking into whether the fire was set on purpose or by accident, authorities said at Wednesday news briefing.

Firefighters made progress against wildfires burning throughout California, but weather was becoming a potential problem as a heat wave built in some regions and the threat of thunderstorms, gusty winds and lightning persisted elsewhere.

Firefighters worked on hotspots, and some crews were sent to wilderness areas for three- or four-day stints to reduce travel time to and from fire lines.