Rain Relief Slows California Wildfire

BOTTOM LINE WEATHER POINTS
– Cost of wildfire so far is $7.28 million; expected to burn through mid-October.
– Rain and humidity helped firefighters slow the fire's progress over the weekend.
– California’s Chalk Fire in Los Padres National Forest has burned more than 12,000 acres.

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California firefighters combating a massive wildfire in Los Padres National Forest received a much welcomed reprieve from Mother Nature this weekend. Beneficial rain and humidity helped slow the smoky blaze, which has so far burned 12,000 acres of forest.

As of early Sunday, the 19-square-mile inferno was 37 percent contained and is expected to burn well into mid-October. More than 1,300 firefighters are currently fighting the blaze at an estimated cost of $7.28 million, according to the Associated Press.

Sparked on September 27, the massive fire continues to threaten 19 homes and 30 other buildings. Nevertheless, nearby Highway 1 remains open to traffic.

Fire crews have been working diligently since the end of September to quell the fire, but the rugged terrain and thick shrubbery have made extinguishing the flames difficult. One firefighter suffered a broken nose while battling the blaze and ten others were treated for minor injuries.