New development in the firefight in Southern California | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Thursday, September 3, 2009

California News The U.S. Forest Service said it obtained permits to burn away the undergrowth on more than 1,700 acres of the Angeles National Forest months ago.

But just 193 acres had been cleared by the time the fire broke out.

It's been more than a week now and the blaze has destroyed more than five dozen homes, killed two firefighters, and forced thousands to evacuate.

With thousands of acres burned, and millions spent to fight the fires, Forestry officials said the fire that has scorched more than 200-square miles was human caused.

They are not saying whether it is arson or accidental, improving weather, combined with an aggressive counter-assault by fire fighters, including buffer zones around the fire line and backfires that have burned off excess brush, have lead to the fire being 22-percent contained.

Carlton Joseph, Dep. Incident Commander said: "We are not out of the woods but we are in much better shape than we have been."

Mount Wilson, a major communications hub for Los Angeles, Is still standing. For days, flames came dangerously close, to the historic observatory.

Dave Jurasevich, Mt. Wilson Observatory said: "We had a few days that were touchy but things are improving now and I am very optimistic we are going to be fine here."

Arnold Schwarzenegger said: "I am so proud of them".

As a thank you for their efforts, Governor Schwarzenegger served firefighters breakfast, in anticipation of their return to the frontlines"

Arnold Schwarzenegger, California governor said: "Gave them spinach so they can get pumped up for the next fight."

That fight is set to continue for some time. Officials said it will take two weeks, to fully contain the station fire.