Crews Seek to Protect Rural Town From Fire
Crews struggled Wednesday to control a fire that has blackened more than 80 square miles of mountain and desert terrain in eastern San Diego County.
More than 3,000 firefighters concentrated on protecting the rural town of Ranchita and tried to control the fire on the Los Coyotes Indian Reservation and in Anza Borrego State Park.
The wildfire has swept across more than 53,000 acres and destroyed 25 homes. It began July 29 when a National Guard helicopter on an anti-drug patrol clipped a power line. The fire is 60% contained. Firefighters expect to have it fully contained Sunday and extinguished four days later.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
