LOS ANGELES, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- U.S. firefighters continued to make gains over the weekend in their efforts to contain a wildfire that has damaged or destroyed at least 75 structures in the northern Los Angeles area, authorities said on Monday.
Approximately 1,000 firefighters were still working to put out the 7,965-acre (3,223-hectare) wildfire, dubbed Saddleridge fire, and containment was at 43 percent as of early Monday morning, according to the latest update of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
"Today, firefighters will take advantage of lower wind speeds, increasing humidity and decreased temperatures. This weather will greatly enhance firefighters' ability to mop up remaining hot spots," the agency said in the update, adding that tactical patrols will continue throughout the day to ensure containment lines remain static and smoldering debris remains isolated from unburned vegetation.
All evacuations related to the fire have been lifted. But the Los Angeles Fire Department reminded residents returning home to drive slowly and remain cautious of emergency personnel operating in the area.
The Saddleridge fire is one of the several blazes in Southern California. Thousands of residents were forced to evacuate their homes by the blaze. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared state of emergency in Los Angeles and Riverside counties on Friday due to the effects of the fast-moving wildfires, including the Saddleridge, Eagle, Sandalwood, Reche, and Wolf fires.
