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LA wildfire near full containment
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-09-16 04:35

Aided by falling temperatures and rising humidity, firefighters were near fully containing the arson fire in the Angeles National Forest, authorities announced on Tuesday.

The so-called Station Fire, which has consumed more than 200 structures since it was set by at least one arsonist almost a month ago, was 91 percent contained as of Tuesday, the US Forest Service said.

Most of the "uncontrolled fire edge" that comprises the fire's uncontained nine percent is in the mountain steeps north of Sierra Madre and Monrovia, according to the service.

Since breaking out on Aug. 26, the fire has claimed the lives of two firefighters, scorched 160,557 acres (65,000 hectares) and destroyed 89 residences, 26 commercial properties and 94 outbuildings. The estimated cost of the firefighting effort stands at around $92.6 million, according to the Forest Service.

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Containment is expected by 6 pm Saturday, said the service, which is leading the firefighting efforts.

The service said 984 firefighters continue to fight the blaze.

In a related development, the South Coast Air Quality Management District reported air quality had "returned to acceptable levels, except in the immediate vicinity of the Station Fire in the San Gabriel Mountains."

"In any area of visible smoke or where there is an odor of smoke, all individuals are urged to be cautious, and to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities," said Dr. Jonathan Fielding, the county's director of public health.