Weather Conditions Improving For Southern California Firefighters

Thanks to a definitive decrease in the Santa Ana winds, firefighters are making excellent headway in gaining containment of the numerous southern California fires.

According to CNN, 435,000 acres (700 plus square miles) have burned since the fires started Sunday. The largest current blaze is the Witch Fire at over 200,000 acres. Containment is only 10%. Seven of the 22 fires were considered contained by Wednesday.

Local law enforcement authorities along with the FBI have determined that the 19,000 acre Santiago Fire which is 50% contained was started by an arsonist. That fire has destroyed 17 structures. A $70,000 reward is being offered for any credible information leading to an arrest. One other fire is also thought to be the work of an arsonist.

Overall, as of Wednesday evening, 1,664 structures had been destroyed including 1,436 homes. In San Diego County alone, damage has been estimated at $1 billion.

Earlier in the week as many as 11-12,000 people were calling Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego home. That number was reduced to 5,000 by Wednesday morning.

Written by bill.johnson@mlode.com

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