HAPPY CAMP, Calif. (AP) — The U.S. Forest Service says cloudy skies and lower temperatures are slowing the spread of two forest wildfires that are threatening as many as 250 homes in far Northern California.

The Forest Service says the fires have burned 98 square miles in the Klamath National Forest. That’s 8 square miles more than yesterday, but represents a significant reduction in the growth of the blazes that had picked up steam as humidity declined and winds increased late last week.

The two wildfires are the largest among 17 that were sparked by lightning in the forest on Aug. 11. They remain 15 percent contained.

More than 2,100 firefighters and 19 helicopters are taking advantage of the better weather by laying hoses, constructing fire lines and clearing brush from around evacuated communities.

049-a-13-(Ken Sandusky, fire information officer, Klamath (KLAM’-uth) National Forest, in AP interview)-“recreationists and hunters”-Fire Information Officer Ken Sandusky says the wildfire is forcing officials to close off parts of the Klamath National Forest, during the busy holiday weekend. (31 Aug 2014)

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047-a-07-(Ken Sandusky, fire information officer, Klamath (KLAM’-uth) National Forest, in AP interview)-“those are homes”-Fire Information Officer Ken Sandusky says a spreading wildfire near Highway 96 in northern California has prompted dozens of mandatory evacuations near the town of Happy Camp. ((watch for dating)) (31 Aug 2014)

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