Calif. Wildfire 72 Percent Contained

VENTURA, Calif. – The hot, dry Santa Ana wind blew strongly again Sunday while firefighters battled a 3,700-acre wildfire that had burned through rough terrain above this oceanfront city.

The fire was 72 percent contained Sunday as more than 1,300 firefighters worked in the area between Ventura and Ojai, about 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles. Crews expected to surround the blaze by Tuesday evening.

The blaze began Friday in foothills above expensive homes but none of the homes had burned and none was in immediate danger, fire officials said.

"We are still concerned with any possible flare-ups," said Ventura County fire Capt. John Alford. "The winds will blow hard throughout the day but the fire hasn't really been moving that much."

A red flag warning — increased fire danger because of warm, dry and windy conditions — remained in effect Sunday and the National Weather Service forecast wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph in some areas.

The cause of the fire remained under investigation.