LINCOLN, Calif. (AP) - Firefighters fearing the explosion of a blazing rail car filled with propane will try a bold maneuver to end an emergency that has forced the evacuation of thousands of Northern California residents.

They plan to drain fuel from the burning tanker and flush it into a massive hole in the ground.

Lincoln Fire Department spokesman Dave Witt says fire officials consulted with members of a national response team from Houston, who were flown in overnight to offer advice.

Fire officials initially said the blaze could continue for 21 days, but on Wednesday Witt said that scenario was unacceptable. Students in the area are missing their first days of school.

Witt says firefighters now hope to have the blaze under control within 24 to 48 hours.

FROM CITY OF LINCOLN WEBSITE:

Areas currently being evacuated include NE of Highway 65 & Ferrari Ranch road all the way to the northern City limit.

Residents west of Highway 65 are being evacuated to either the Lincoln Community Center at 1st & Joiner, or Club Lincoln within Lincoln Crossing at 830 Groveland Lane. Residents east of Highway 65 are being evacuated to Kilaga Springs Lodge at 1176 Sun City Boulevard.