Fire Crews Battle 100-Acre Blaze on Santa Catalina

County firefighters Tuesday delivered two helicopters and an airplane to ground crews on Santa Catalina Island who were battling a brush fire that scorched about 100 acres and was expected to burn into the night.

The fire was burning late Tuesday in a rugged, unpopulated area about four miles from the island’s airport and 12 miles from Avalon. About 25 firefighters were working to surround the fire. They were aided by about 60 firefighters who were whisked 26 miles across the channel on two Navy Hovercrafts.

“Logistically it’s hard just to get the equipment over there,” said Los Angeles County Fire Inspector Mark Whaling.

Although the fire was not contained, “it sounds as though conditions are favorable to keeping the fire from growing too much more,” said Capt. Steve Valenzuela. The fire was reported about 3:35 p.m., and there is no estimate when it might be contained. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the blaze was unknown.