LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. (AP) – A Southern California wildfire that has been raging for several days south of Los Angeles is now 29 percent contained.
Officials said the Holy Fire in Cleveland National Forest had grown by Saturday morning to nearly 33 square miles (85 sq. kilometers).
Earlier this week, the fire had threatened homes in Lake Elsinore and nearby communities. Aircraft have been making flight after flight, dumping water and bright pink retardant to protect the foothill communities as the fire sweeps through the dense, bone-dry brush.
The man suspected of setting the blaze, 51-year-old Forrest Clark, appeared in court Friday, but his arraignment was postponed.
Clark made several outbursts, claiming his life was being threatened and said the arson charge against him was a lie. He’s being held on $1 million bail.
