Story highlights Two wildfires in California spread by heat and drought conditions, have each killed one person

Southern Calif. fire is now 40% contained, but central Calif. fire is still growing

(CNN) A wildfire that has raged in central California for nearly a week intensified under hot weather and has killed one person.

A private bulldozer operator who had been hired in efforts to contain the fire "succumbed to fatal injuries" Tuesday night, according to California fire authorities.

He suffered injuries during night-time operations and his death is under an accident investigation.

The blaze in Monterey County, called the Soberanes Fire, has burned 23,688 acres (about 42 square miles) along the California coast between the scenic areas of Carmel and Big Sur.

Firefighters have contained 10% of the fire, which started Friday, according to Cal Fire.

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