Firefighters say they have made progress in battling one of the largest wildfires in California state history. The Rim Fire near Yosemite National Park is now 20 percent contained, up from 7 percent over the weekend. Ash from the fire has reached a reservoir that supplies 85 percent of San Francisco’s water, but firefighters say they will likely be able to protect the site’s infrastructure. On Monday, California Gov. Jerry Brown briefed reporters before visiting the fire zone.
Gov. Jerry Brown: “This is something that we have to live with. It may even get worse in years to come, but California will be ready for it. And whatever it takes, I’m going to make sure that the resources are deployed. And the president called me just yesterday. He expressed his support. Whatever we need, he’ll provide. So between the state and the federal government and local officials, we’ll get it done.”
The Rim Fire is the 13th largest in California’s history, burning over 161,000 acres so far.