By Xinhua
Los Angeles : A raging wildfire has burned more than 2,700 acres of land and destroyed at least 275 homes and buildings in California's Lake Tohoe area, the U.S. Forest Service said Tuesday.
   Up till Tuesday, the blaze was 40 percent contained, with full containment expected by Sunday.
   On Tuesday morning, the fire was continuing to burn along the uninhabited slopes to the north and west of Lake Tahoe, the centerpiece of this tourist area.
   Weather conditions remained favorable for firefighting with high humidity and low winds, although that may change by Wednesday.
   "It's a pretty big area. They may be getting it done sooner, but that's what they're shooting for now," said Sgt. Don Atkinson of the El Dorado County Sheriff's Department.
   About 145 fire engines, 54 crews and 11 helicopters are being used to fight the fire. No injuries or deaths have been reported, he said.
   Some of the 1,000 people forced to flee the fire could begin returning as soon as Tuesday. About 500 houses still face some threat from the fire.
   The cause of the blaze remained under investigation, Jackie Faike, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Forest Service, said. No lightning had been reported.