Firefighters in Southern California reported progress in the fifth day of battling wildfires Thursday as damage estimates surpassed the $1 billion mark.

By Wednesday night, the fires from north of Los Angeles south to the Mexican border had charred 695 square miles and destroyed 1,609 homes, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Only one death has been directly blamed on fire, while eight other deaths are considered to be indirect results of the fires. Throughout the area, 64 people have been injured, the newspaper said.

Wednesday, dry, gusty winds eased and some coastal humidity moved in, giving the firefighters some relief from the hop-scotching effect the winds had caused, officials said.

To the south in San Diego, 14 military water-dropping helicopters and C-130 aircraft were added to the fleet of 47 aircraft dropping water and flame-retardant foam.

There were two suspected incidents of arson Wednesday. One suspect was arrested while another was shot to death when he tried to escape in his car, police said.

President George Bush was scheduled to tour the area midday Thursday.  // Copyright 2007 by United Press International



Publication date: 25 October 2007   

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