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California fire nearly contained
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September 2, 1996
Web posted at: 2:30 p.m. EDT
CASTAIC, California (CNN) -- A brush fire that has scorched more than 21,500 acres since August 26 in northern Los Angeles County was 90 percent contained on Monday. Firefighters estimate they will contain the Castaic fire completely by Tuesday night.
Temperatures were expected to reach about 90 degrees Monday, but a fire spokeswoman said higher humidity should help the firefighting effort.
A teen-ager was arraigned last week on arson charges related to the fire, according to the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office. A pretrial hearing will be held September 16.
The teen-ager pleaded not guilty to each charge, and authorities refused to release his name.
A fire agency spokesman told CNN the cost of fighting the Castaic fire so far is estimated at more than $6.4 million.
Twenty-three of the more than 900 firefighters battling the Castaic blaze have suffered minor injuries, mostly from bee stings, heat exhaustion, and sprained ankles.
Castaic Lake Recreation Area was closed to the public all weekend and used as a staging area for firefighting efforts.
Another fire near the town of Wrightwood has burned 600 acres since Sunday. Officials evacuated four campgrounds in the area, and a church camp was evacuated voluntarily.
Wrightwood itself was not threatened Monday morning, but fire officials were prepared to evacuate the city if necessary.
Dry conditions and fierce winds have fueled hundreds of fires
in western states this season. The fires have scorched more
than 5 million acres, making this the West's worst fire
season in 25 years. (10 sec/445K QuickTime movie)
Related stories:
- U.S. soldiers go to battle -- against Western fires - August 30, 1996
- Teen to be arraigned in California wildfire - August 29, 1996
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