Weather Helps Contain California Wildfires

Mother Nature, it seems, is lending a hand to the firefighters in California battling the wildfires. Decreasing winds, cooler temperatures, and some rain have helped to quench the thirst of the fires that have savaged so much of the California landscape. And that is good news for the thousands of residents who have been displaced by the fires. Mandatory evacuations and destroyed homes have made the area a disaster zone. But help is also on the way. On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Labor approved a $50 million grant to help hire over 3,000 workers in temporary disaster assistance jobs for areas affected by the wildfires. Governor Schwarzenegger has been touring the area and meeting with officials to assess both the damages and to concentrate on the steps needed for recovery.

While many of the fires are considered contained, several of the fires are still burning strong. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, details on the fires are listed by county below. Each link will take you to a map of the affected areas.

San Diego County

• Witch Fire – 197,990 acres – 75% contained - close to 3000 firefighters have been assigned to the job.
• Harris Fire – 85,800 acres – 50% contained - Cost estimates near $6 million so far - 5 fatalities and 28 injuries.
• Poomacha Fire – 45,000 acres – 45% contained - 500 homes still threatened - call the fire info line at (760) 751-7600 for more information.
• Rice Fire – 9,000 acres – 90% contained - estimates of $3.1 million in damages - over 200 homes damaged with 200 more still threatened.
• Horno/Ammo Fire – 21,084 acres – 95% contained - 2 firefighters reported injured.

San Bernardino County

• Slide Fire – 13,800 acres – 35% contained - 1984 firefighters assigned to the area - estimates put the costs at $4.5 million.
• Grass Valley Fire - 1,140 acres – 95% contained - 6000 homes still threatened - all evacuation orders still in effect.

Orange County

• Santiago Fire – 27,630 acres – 40% contained - cause was determined to be arson

Los Angeles County

• Ranch Fire – 58,401 acres – 97% contained - evacuations from the fire within Los Angeles and Ventura Counties have been lifted.

If you would like to help disaster victims, visit California Volunteers, a non-profit organization for "increasing the number and impact of Californians engaged in service and volunteerism."