Malibu Blaze 25% Contained

Station fire, 42% contained, chars 148K acres

(NEWSER) - Investigators of a deadly Los Angeles wildfire are having a substance from the scene tested to confirm whether the blaze was man-made. “There was material that didn't belong there," a source tells the Los Angeles Times. "It was clear evidence that the fire was intentionally set." Even if negligence caused the fire, homicide charges are still in order after the deaths of two firefighters this week, said Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca. More»

With blaze having killed 2 firefighters, sheriff begins homicide investigation

(NEWSER) - The wildfire that has burned 144,000 acres north of Los Angeles was set by arsonists, the US Forest Service said this afternoon. With the blaze having killed two firefighters, authorities are now treating the matter as homicide, KTLA-TV reports, and the LA County Sheriff’s Department has begun an investigation. The fire, now 38% contained, has cost $27 million to fight, and has destroyed 116 buildings, including 64 homes. More»

Hundreds of homes destroyed by California blazes fueled by fierce Santa Ana winds

(NEWSER) - Nearly 30,000 people have fled three massive fires scorching thousands of acres from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles, reports the Los Angeles Times. Hundreds of homes have been gutted in three days of blazes fueled by raging Santa Ana winds that firefighters are struggling mightily to contain. Major freeways were closed, complicating escape for hundreds of residents. More»

Dying winds, high mobilization help firefighters corral 40% of fire

(NEWSER) - The wildfire that scorched 50 Malibu homes yesterday is now 40% contained and should be corralled by Tuesday, the Los Angeles Times reports. Dying Santa Ana winds and what one official called "unprecedented mobilization" helped firefighters control the blaze. Crews are busy stamping out hot spots today to make sure they don't reignite. More»

(NEWSER) - The fight to contain the deadly Los Angeles-area Station fire has so far cost more than $37 million, the LA Times reports, and that’s not counting property damage or the cost to the environment. The blaze is still burning through the San Gabriel Wilderness, but it’s 42% contained, and no longer threatens any homes. Officials are clearing debris basins, worried that rains will bring heavy erosion. More»