Firefighters make progress against California brush fires

LAKE PIRU, California (CNN) -- Firefighters said Monday they have a brush fire that consumed 23,500 acres 80 percent surrounded and expect to have it fully contained by Wednesday evening.

The fire, which has been burning since early last week, has destroyed a garage and a boat and caused minor injuries to five firefighters. Cooler temperatures and increased humidity over the weekend gave firefighters the upper hand.

Lake Piru is about 80 miles north of downtown Los Angeles.

In Santa Barbara, meanwhile, firefighters succeeded in fully containing a 50,000-acre wildfire. No structures were lost, but several firefighters were injured due to the rough terrain.

"We are definitely out of any immediate danger," said Mary Guokas, spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of Forestry. She said the focus is now being shifted toward the "final stages of the fires."

Related stories:

• Town threatened by Southern California wildfire - August 7, 1997
• California wildfires brought under control - August 4, 1997
• Crews gain upper hand on California wildfires - August 3, 1997

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