NU Online News Service, Sept. 2, 4:00 p.m.EDT

The largest of the California wildfires, known as the "StationFire," has now burnt more than 140,000 acres, destroyed 62"dwellings" and is 22 percent contained, according to the InsuranceInformation Network of California.

Pete Moraga, communications specialist with IINC, said the moodamong firefighters is more positive now with lower winds and higherhumidity aiding in the fight against the Station Fire.

Overall, risk modeler RMS said the multiple fires acrossCalifornia in the last week have destroyed around 200 propertiesbut continue to threaten thousands more.

The IINC noted that officials are reporting 62 "dwellings"destroyed by the Station Fire, but Mr. Moraga said there is someconfusion about what the term actually means. He said it could meanhomes as well as recreation cabins.

Both IINC and RMS said around 12,000 homes still remainthreatened, and IINC said an additional 500 commercial propertiesand 2,000 other structures are also threatened.

"Evacuations are in place for the community of Acton as the fireis approaching homes in the area," IINC said. "The fire could reachthese homes, but crews are working on structure protection wherethey can."

Mandatory evacuations have been lifted in some areas, includingLa Canada and Glendale, IINC noted. Communication towers and anobservatory located on Mt. Wilson also appear to have been saved asof now, IINC said.

RMS said the Station Fire is still expected to be contained bySept. 8.

Tomas Girnius, senior scientist at AIR Worldwide, summed upfirefighting efforts at the Station Fire: "Last night, aided by lowwinds and higher humidity, crews launched aggressive strategicattacks against the massive inferno, creating firebreaks andbulldozing fire lines around the perimeter. Early Wednesdaymorning, officials report that these latest efforts have beensuccessful and that the fire is currently displaying low tomoderate intensity. Containment is estimated at 22 percent, up from5 percent yesterday, and no additional structures have beenlost."

He added, "Due to limited access and southwest winds, the fireis expected to continue to progress eastward into the San GabrielCanyon wilderness. Defensive lines are in place in the JuniperHills area, but no communities are currently threatened along theeastern perimeter."

A second fire, the "49 Fire" in Placer County, is now 100percent contained, IINC said, after destroying 60 structures,including homes, outbuildings and businesses.

The "Oak Glen Fire" in San Bernardino County is 75 percentcontained, and has damaged one structure while burning 1,012 acres,reported IINC.

California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner remindedresidents who have been evacuated due to the Oak Glen Fire thatthey may be eligible for reimbursement for additional livingexpenses due to mandatory evacuations. "Everyone who has beenevacuated from their homes due to wildfire should check theirinsurance policies," Commissioner Poizner said. "Many policiescover additional living expenses that result from mandatoryevacuations--including hotel stays and extra food costs."