Firefighters Hope to Contain Wildfire Near Los Angeles by Tuesday

25 November 2007 -- Firefighters battling a fast moving wildfire in southern California say the blaze is now about 40 percent contained, and should be fully under control by Tuesday.

When the fire began Saturday in the beach community of Malibu, strong winds and high temperatures helped spread the flames rapidly, forcing more than 10,000 people to leave their homes. Los Angeles County fire officials say the blaze has destroyed nearly 50 homes and scorched about 2,000 hectares of land.

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At least 500 firefighters are working to contain the flames, aided by water drops from 10 helicopters and other aircraft.

Last month, 24 fires in southern California burned through nearly 200,000 hectares and destroyed 2,000 homes.

Source: VOA News