Cooler weather helps crews battling Western wildfires

Cooler, more humid weather gave at least some temporary help on Wednesday to crews battling dangerous wildfires in Southern California, while other blazes across the West were on the move.

Improved weather in the aftermath of a severe heat wave allowed firefighters to make progress against two fires in the steep San Gabriel Mountains 20 miles northeast of Los Angeles. Some evacuations below in the foothill city of Duarte were lifted.

A fleet of helicopters and air tankers and other resources are helping fight the fires totalling about 7½ square miles.

Despite fears that stronger winds could make the fire resurgent and challenges of tough terrain, containment was expanded from 10 to 15% by Wednesday evening.