San Francisco - The weather came to the aid of over 700 embattled firefighters, as cool temperatures, a mild drizzle and calm winds helped them gain control of a wildfire Friday that destroyed 10 homes and burned over 800 hectares.

Some 500 homes were evacuated Thursday when the flames, whipped by 60 kilometres-per-hour winds, quickly grew to over 1,300 hectares according to a spokesman for state fire-fighting agency CAL FIRE. The agency said that ten houses had been burnt in an area dotted with homes tucked in scenic hills. Heavy brush and timber in forests that have not burned for decades were also contributing to the fire's ferocity. The lack of rain since January meant that the brush was far drier than usual at this early stage of the season.

"There's no wind. It's foggy, cold and drizzly. It's nice," said CAL FIRE official Chris Morgan,. "We have to strike now while we have the advantage," Morgan said. (dpa)