End Suddenly in Sight for Seemingly-Endless 'Day Fire'
September 29, 2006 - The 'Day Fire' in Ventura County has blackened more than 160,000 acres, but after almost four weeks, victory may be at hand. Thanks to calmer winds, cooler temperatures and the fire laying down, firefighters finished almost 34 miles of fire line, Friday. Los Padres National Forest spokesman Charley Johnson says the brush and timber fire is 63% contained and should be fully contained by Monday night. Evacuated residents of rural Lockwood Valley and nearby mountain towns have been cleared to return home. Johnson says it's cost more than $57 million, so far, to fight the fifth-largest wildfire in California history. The Ventura County Fire Department says fire crews saved $20 million worth of property.