Authorities: Most California fire evacuees can return home

PALMDALE, California — Nearly 3,000 California residents are being allowed to return home after evacuating their homes during a massive wildfire.

Sheriff's Lt. Dave Coleman said Monday that most residents in two rural communities north of Los Angeles could return to their homes Monday afternoon.

One small area remains under a mandatory evacuation order.

The Powerhouse Fire forced 2,800 people from 700 homes about 45 miles (72 kilometers) northwest of downtown Los Angeles on Saturday.

The fire started Thursday and has destroyed at least six homes and damaged 15.

The fire was 40 percent contained, after doubling in size over the weekend. Its destructive path left charred hillsides over more than 46 square miles (119 square kilometers) in northern Los Angeles County.

Firefighters have been aided by lower temperatures and cooler, moist air.