Calif. forest fire 91 percent contained

Calif. forest fire 91 percent contained

15 September 2009

published by www.upi.com

USA —

The Station Fire in California’s Angeles National Forest is 91 percent contained, the U.S. Forest Service said Tuesday.

Moist weather has slowed the fire’s growth, and it is expected to be completely contained by 6 p.m. Saturday, the Los Angeles Times and KTLA-TV reported.

The fire, which has been ruled arson, has burned more than 250 square miles, and the cost of fighting it exceeds $92 million. The tab could ultimately climb to more than $100 million, KTLA-TV reported.

The county and state are offering a $150,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of an arsonist.

A source told the Times investigators have identified as key evidence a substance found near where the fire started. The source, who did not identify the substance, said it had been taken to a lab for testing.