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Better weather helps firefighters contain La Tuna Fire

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One of the largest wildfires in Los Angeles history is now 70 percent contained, Los Angeles City Fire spokesman Capt. Erik Scott said at a press conference Tuesday morning.

An increase in hand crews and cooler weather helped firefighters beat back the La Tuna fire yesterday, when containment was only at 30 percent. Fueled by record-breaking heat, the fire has blazed through more than 7,000 acres since it broke out on Sept. 1.

https://twitter.com/LAFD/status/905089974009192450

All evacuations have been lifted in Los Angeles, Glendale and Burbank, and the 210 Freeway remains open, but Scott warned drivers to use caution, as there are still firefighters in the area.

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There have been eight injuries reported since the fire began: Five from heat, a minor burn, an allergy-related incident and an eye injury.

Four roads are limited to residents with valid identification: Sunland / Tuxford, La Tuna / Honolulu, Foothill / Kagel Canyon and Foothill / Osborne.

Scott said that the remaining 30 percent may be difficult to stamp out, as windier conditions can kick up embers and start spot fires.

“There are some very challenging areas in rugged remote terrain with vegetation that hasn’t burned in 70 years,” Scott said. “It’s a down and dirty job that’s being done right now.”

On Friday, when the fire broke out,  temperatures reached 107. It stayed hot Saturday with temperatures topping 100. Temperatures barely dipped at night over the weekend. But Monday, a high of 86 with an overnight low of 69 was forecasted.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

This story has been updated.

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