Fires Slowing to a Crawl

PALMDALE, Calif. — Firefighters have nearly contained a wildfire smoldering in the high desert north of Los Angeles. The Crown Fire has slowed and the smoke plume has lifted. The fire has charred nearly 22 square miles of brush in the Antelope Valley. It is 82 percent contained with very few visible signs of smoke left. Typ 1 Engines should be demobilizing soon.

Good weather in neighboring Kern County helped firefighters build containment lines around two wildfires that destroyed homes in remote mountain communities earlier in the week. Fire Officials said a West Fire near Tehachapi destroyed 23 homes and charred 2½ square miles of heavy brush and was expected to be fully contained Sunday.

To the north, The Bull Fire, destroyed eight residences as it spread across about 26 square miles of the Sequoia National Forest in the Sierra Nevada was 85 percent contained.

Mayor Jim Ledford thanked fire officials for helping to stop the Crown Fire as it slammed into the City of Palmdale at a live music concert at Marie Kerr Park. Firefighters received a standing ovation before the Guess Who took to the amphitheatre stage.