The Elephant Fire in Sierra County more than doubled in size overnight, scorching 4,400 acres by Sunday morning as firefighters continue battling the fast-moving blaze, with just 5% containment, according to CAL FIRE incident information.

The wildfire ignited at about 2:58 p.m. Saturday north of Loyalton and Highway 49 in the Tahoe National Forest.

By Sunday’s morning update, officials said the blaze had expanded to 4,400 acres, leaving roughly 95% of the fire perimeter uncontrolled while the cause remains under investigation.

Fire officials said evacuation orders remain in effect for zone LAS-451-A, and evacuation warnings have also been issued for nearby areas because of the potential threat to life and property.

Authorities urged residents who may need extra time to leave, including those with pets or livestock, to evacuate early.

Firefighters are attacking the blaze from both the ground and the air in an effort to slow its rapid spread and protect nearby communities and natural resources, according to CAL FIRE incident updates.

Crews and bulldozers are constructing fire lines where terrain allows, while aircrafts are making targeted water and fire retardant drops to strengthen containment efforts.

The fire grew at a clipped pace after it was first reported Saturday afternoon.

Officials initially estimated the blaze at about 200 acres before infrared mapping by a FIRIS aircraft measured it at 2,157 acres later that afternoon.

A 5% containment level means firefighters have established and secured control lines around only a small portion of the fire’s perimeter. It does not mean the fire is nearly extinguished, and most of the blaze remains capable of spreading beyond existing fire lines.

The Elephant Fire is burning in the Tahoe National Forest north of Loyalton in Sierra County. Officials have not yet determined what sparked the wildfire, and firefighting operations remain ongoing.

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