Prescribed burn spreads to forest in Northern California

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- A prescribed burn in the largest natural forest in California is burning out of control and isn't expected to be contained until next week.

The U.S. Forest Service reports that on Tuesday afternoon firefighters responded to a wildfire on private land in Siskiyou County, about 18 miles northeast of McCloud, which is on the southern slope of Mt. Shasta. 

The fire was sparked by a change in wind during a prescribed burn. The fire spread into the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

About 100 firefighters on Thursday morning continue to fight the fire on about 200 acres. 

As of Wednesday afternoon, the fire was about 30 percent contained. A representative from the U.S. Forest Service was not immediately available for comment Thursday. The fire is expected to be contained early Monday. Rain expected later this week is expected to help with containment.