Two firefighters were killed while battling the blaze, and police have now launched homicide investigations, officials said on Thursday. “Arson investigators have concluded that the fire was the result of an arson,” Forest Service Commander Rita Wears told reporters at a press conference.
The arson finding came as thousands of firefighters in California continued to make gains on the conflagration. The fire is now 38 per cent contained with full containment expected by September 15.
Though the fire still is classified as a threat to some 12,000 homes, it was moving in the direction of remote wilderness areas on Thursday.
Published 04 September 2009, 15:44 IST