Firefighters Gaining Control Of Southern California Fires

Riverside, CA -- A California forestry spokesman says fire crews from around the country have arrived in Southern California so local and state firefighters can get some rest before predicted Santa Ana winds return this weekend.

Forecasters expect sustained winds of 15 miles per hour arriving Friday and lasting through Saturday. The winds are expected to be much weaker than the fierce blasts of dry air that spread flames last week, but still strong enough to cause trouble for exhausted crews.

The fires are now being held responsible for 14 deaths and 809 scorched square miles.

The Ranch Fire in Los Angeles County and the Grass Valley Fire in San Bernardino County reached 100 percent containment Monday. Only five fires remain under that 100 percent mark, the largest being the 198,000 acre Witch Fire in San Diego County. As of Monday evening that $14.4 million blaze was 95 percent contained.

Written by bill.johnson@mlode.com

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