Crews battling California's wildfires are running up against hot, dry winds, high temperatures and rugged terrain.

In all, some 11 fires are burning in the Golden State and officials are watching to see if more are ignited. Fire officials say the state is so parched, "it doesn't take much for a spark or an ember to quickly develop into a wildfire."

A fire near the Santa Cruz Mountains is about 50 percent contained after eating through 10 square miles in less than a week. The blaze has forced some 2,400 people from their homes.

North of Sacramento, a fire sparked by the burning feathers of a hawk that flew into a power line has burned through more than 3 square miles. It's now more than 15 percent contained, but about 600 homes are still threatened.

A fire in Alameda County is 85 percent contained after burning about 23 square miles near Tracy. And a blaze in Santa Barbara County that has blackened nearly 134 square miles of timber and brush is 60 percent contained.