Remains discovered in South Lake neighborhood burned by Erskine Fire

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Developing news out of Kern County where Action News has heard reports of remains found in the aftermath of the fire.

Sheriff's officials have called in homicide investigators and are treating it as a crime at this point.

At least two people have been reported dead because of the fire. Three firefighters who suffered smoke inhalation have been released from the hospital

The fire is threatening more than 1,500 structures and has already destroyed 150 homes.

More than 1,100 firefighters are on scene trying to contain it. So far it has burned more than 36,000 acres and is at 10-percent containment.

"We have a monster out there that might not be as bad as it was two days ago, but the potential is there," said Mark Savage, County Fire Captain.

There's no word on what sparked the fire, but crews said the on-going drought has played a major role in fueling it.

The fire is expected to be contained by next Thursday, June 30th.