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Containment Continues to Increase in Powerhouse Fire

By Clarissa Wei
June 5, 2013
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Powerhouse Fire/ Photo: Courtesy Zak Holman

 

Cool moist air and a continuing slackening of the wind should give firefighters a chance to gain more ground today against the Powerhouse Fire, which is now 65 percent contained. The blaze, which has been raging in and around the northern portion of the Angeles National Forest for nearly a week, has already scorched 30,032 acres and destroyed 16 structures.

Full containment is expected on Monday. The estimated cost of fighting the fire -- the current tab is $11.4 million -- continues to rise. California authorities have announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is promising to cover 75 percent of the total cost.

On Monday evening, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors declared a local state of emergency due to the fire. Night-flying helicopters have also been approved to fight the flames. The blaze continues to threaten 275 commercial and residential structures. No major injuries have been reported.

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