Considering island evacuation

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L.A. County Fire Department officials say the fire is still about 500 plus acres and is now a quarter to half mile from the city.

Capt. Mike Brown said there are 160 firefighters on the ground, with additional units arriving at Catalina by land and air. He said the department has requested help from Los Angeles City Fire Department, as well as Orange County and the state.

Brown said he did not anticipate a need to evacuate the island itself, but said there were contingency plans in case that is needed. ‘If we need to get people off the island, we do have the ability to transport people via Catalina Express and other vessels,’ Brown said. ‘I don’t think it’s going to evolve to that. I strongly believe we have the resources on the ground and enroute to handle this.’

-Rebecca Trounson