Crews make progress against some Western fires

LOS ANGELES — Firefighters battling wildfires in the West caught a break overnight as gusty winds died down but with the region bracing for sweltering heat, Saturday’s respite could be brief, authorities said.

A four-day-old fire in California coastal canyons was 45 percent contained after 40-mph “sundowner” winds failed to materialize.

Those evening and night gusts had driven the flames through steep, brushy canyons west of Santa Barbara on previous nights and forced closure of a major highway.

No homes have burned, but about 270 homes and ranches are at risk and campgrounds are evacuated with flames only 2 miles from more densely populated coastal communities.

In New Mexico, Gov. Susana Martinez directed the New Mexico National Guard to assist in securing communities affected by a massive wildfire in the central part of the state.

In Arizona, a fire southwest of Show Low was 30 percent contained. Firefighters beefed up containment areas on the northern and western sides of the blaze.

Evacuation orders remain in effect for the community of Forestdale.

The fire has burned nearly 19 square miles since Wednesday.

Crews in Utah also made gains against three wildfires in the southern part of the state.

A 350-acre wildfire near Cedar City was 30 percent contained, but the blaze still threatened 20 structures.

More than 1,200 firefighters attacked the California fire, which has engulfed nearly 12 square miles of mountain and agricultural lands.

Overnight, crews nailed down lines on the fire’s west side, which hadn’t moved for days, Santa Barbara County fire Capt. Dave Zaniboni said.

However, the eastern side of the blaze was uncontrolled and virtually inaccessible.