Williams Fire Now 72 Percent Contained
GLENDORA (CBSLA.com) — Authorities say the Williams Fire is now 72 percent contained.
Firefighters have been working to construct and improve containment lines around the Williams Fire, which has scorched 4,180 acres since it broke out in San Gabriel Canyon on Sunday afternoon. Full containment is not expected until next Thursday.
Officials say the flames have been burning north and east in steep terrain, fueled by medium to heavy brush that has been untouched by fire for 15 to 20 years. About 1,070 firefighters were deployed at the scene.
Evacuation orders for campgrounds and San Gabriel Canyon are still in effect, but deputies on Thursday began escorting about 100 evacuated residents of River Community and Camp Williams back to their homes.
On Saturday morning, authorities will begin escorting the approximately 2,000 campers who have been evacuated back into the campgrounds to retrieve their belongings, and escort them back out, according to Nathan Judy of the Angeles National Forest. The area will remain closed for recreational camping while the firefighting effort continues.
The origin of the fire is believed to be halfway between Camp Williams and the shooting range along East Fork Road in San Gabriel Canyon, in the Camp Williams trailer park off San Gabriel Canyon Road, also known as state Route 39. The cause is still under investigation.
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