Fire Near Julian 75% Contained
A wildfire that officials believe was caused by arson was 75% contained Sunday after burning 685 acres of a wilderness preserve and destroying several buildings and cars near this picturesque mountain town.
The fire is expected to be fully contained by 6 p.m. today, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. About 840 firefighters were still battling the flames.
As many as 1,400 firefighters and 12 helicopter crews have battled the stubborn blaze in northeastern San Diego County, said Audrey Hagen of the Forestry Department.
The blaze, which broke out Tuesday on a privately owned ranch, has destroyed 28 trailers, six outbuildings, three vehicles, a boat and a utility trailer, fire officials said. Four firefighters suffered minor injuries.
A motorcycle was seen leaving the scene of the fire Tuesday. After ruling out any other possible causes, investigators determined Thursday that the fire was deliberately set, said Capt. Gary Eidsmoe of the Forestry Department.
The blaze was kept away from Julian, a tiny town rooted in a brief 19th century gold rush and later the center of an apple-growing region.
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